A grateful Ryan Vogelsong looks ahead to 2012: “I’ll put us up against anybody in the league”

There are many reasons that Ryan Vogelsong endeared himself to teammates. His success on the mound was just a small part of it.

Vogelsong’s humility, earnestness and appreciation for his surprising success were all totally authentic qualities. As reported earlier, he signed a two-year $8.3 million contract today with a club option for 2014. I texted him after the news broke, hoping he’d be able to provide a comment.

He called me back a few hours later — even though he’d just landed in Philadelphia and it was close to 1 a.m. on the East Coast.

Yep, Vogelsong is for real, all right.
As you might expect, he was humble and grateful when asked about his contract, which buys out a year of free agency. He also expressed confidence when asked about rejoining a rotation with Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and presumed No.5 starter Barry Zito.

Advertisement

“The five of us connected very well,” Vogelsong said. “We have that competition between us and we want to pick each other up. I definitely learned some things about pitching from all of them. I tell you what, we’ve got a good group. Ill put us up against anybody else in the league, no doubt.”

About the contract, Vogelsong called it “the best of both worlds for me. The second year gives me job security and there’s no better place for me to be than in San Francisco. I obviously have a great connection with the fans there and I’m very comfortable with the manager and the coaching staff. I feel we’ll put a team on the field that can win. I enjoy living in San Francisco. To know I’ll be there for two years, and maybe three, is a perfect fit for me.”

Last season, Vogelsong often mentioned that he felt he was in a waking dream. Now that he’s had a few months to digest everything, does he still have trouble believing that he was a first-time All-Star, or posted the third lowest ERA in the NL, or was a compelling storyline in Showtime’s series on the team? And that all of this happened after five years without appearing in a major league game?

In a word: yes.

“When I look back, it’s still pretty unbelievable to me just because I knew how bad I was the year before and how much I had struggled before that,” he said. “I still can’t believe it. But now it’s about pushing myself for next season.”

He spoke of a “transitional period” over the winter.

“When I first got home, I saw all my friends and family and I was kind of replaying everything for them,” he said. “Every time I’d see someone who I hadn’t seen in awhile, I’d replay it again. Then I got to the point, `OK, let’s transition to 2012. Let’s put last year behind me.’ I’m not going to forget about it, but it’s time to move forward.”

Vogelsong was traveling back home from San Francisco, where he took his physical and signed the papers. He enjoys spending the winter in his small-town home in eastern Pennsylvania because it keeps him focused and grounded. Back in the final week of the season, after the Giants had been eliminated, he was gleeful while talking to me about an offseason of shoveling snow.

He’s still waiting for the first blizzard.

“No snow yet, man,” he said. “Actually, it’s been nice. But this weather does exactly what I need it to do. It keeps you off the golf course and in the gym. I’m getting all my workouts and throwing done. The last offseason was so different with winter ball and then with my (late) father-in-law being sick. This offseason has been so much more eventless.”

Next up is spring training, where he won’t be a minor league free-agent with a uniform number that belongs to a tight end. He’ll be the Giants’ No.4 starter, earnestly and humbly getting ready for the season.

Andrew Baggarly

Andrew Baggarly has documented the most eventful era in San Francisco Giants baseball history, having covered the team since 2004 for th​ree major media outlets including the San Jose Mercury News and the Oakland Tribune​. This is his 20th season as a baseball writer.
​Baggarly is the author of the bestselling book, A Band of Misfits: Tales of the 2010 San Francisco Giants, and the newly published Giant Splash: Bondsian Blasts, World Series Parades and Other Thrilling Moments By the Bay. Baggarly’s other notable life accomplishments include running as the Bratwurst in the Milwaukee Sausage Race and becoming a three-time Jeopardy! champion.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Fox settled their lawsuit late Tuesday night, removing an impediment to the sale of the bankrupt team.

No Longer Long Suffering Giants Fan

It’s nice to see someone so deserving cash in. Vogie is a testament to persistence.

Rickraff

Great signing!

willieD

Hope he stays healthy; we already have a problem at #5 and apparently not much behind that is mlb ready (and I’m including Surkamp). SF has to ride Vogs as far as he can go.

primetimedonna

JD4SF

Thanks for the update on the Dodgers and Fox. Now let the games begin on the Dodger sale!!

Also, great to have Vogie around for a few more years!! He’s earned it!

What We’re All Thinking

Woke up this morning at 4 am,
Logged on the web to read EBB-
Had to pinch myself a couple times,
We have 3 new posts from Bag-garly!

The Joe Torre post was getting old,
Yet the EBB-ers were on a roll-
Vogie now has financial security,
He helps make our pitching staff whole.

It’s obvious we can not stop now,
There’s still 2 contracts to get done-
Matt and Timmy need to re-sign,
Keeping this staff second to none.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see,
The silence might be hard to endure-
Having EBB to lean on is comforting,
Spring Training is certainly the cure.

Anti-Lasorda

Not knowing exactly how the years breakdown, but this could be roughly $1.5M of the $3.5M reserve in the kitty being spend on Vogey who was projected to earn $2.5M – $3M in arbitration. Hopfully they did something like $3M for 2012, $4.5M for 2013, and then the option at $5.5M with an 800K buyout for 2014. I will be interested to see how the deal got structured and how that impacts 2012. Still a great deal for the Giants even if he is just 80% of last year.

This is why even though the projections having us at $126.5 and Sabean saying we were tapped out have me concerned we may still end up having to trade Affeldt after all the arbitration cases get done and we’re at $132M or something.

Really hoping for continued success for Vogey. Sure, I want the Giants to win and have a solid #4 starter, but he’s just a good guy as far as I can tell. I wish him and his family the best.

Lefty

Yeah, I think the contract was structured fine–higher numbers for 2013 and possibly 2014, when they should have a bit more breathing room than in 2012 (after Affeldt, F. Sanchez, Huff, & Rowand go off the books).

It is a bit of a risk but not a ridiculous one, and with things unsettled as of yet with Lincecum and Cain, it’s probably a wise risk to take.

Anti-Lasorda

Nice to see I’m not totally off my rocker on how to structure a contract and keep the team in contention. I was a million off on 2014, but I think the $6.5M is more than a fair number given that he would probably command about $10 -12MM in open market if he has similar performances the next two years. Lowering the buyout clause minimizes the risk, but that 2014 option Vogey will be 36 and performance start to fade awfully fast……

Good to see the deal is staggerred to make sure we have some flexibility on 2012. It’s only consuming 500K of the 3.5M kitty, so the club needs to win on one or two of the upcoming cases to stay under the number and keep Affeldt on the roster.

It’s looking like to me, that Zito is going to be it until Bonzer is 100% from his Tommy John. Then they will evaluate in June and see if the need Boof to try; and, whether or not he can be Vogey 2.0…..

It going to be real tight getting under the number…. we need to see the exchange on Timm-eh’s numbers before I go into full panic.

It would behoove the club to get Sandoval done this week. Cabrera and Pagan are ARB3 guys and going to go through the process as Timm-eh will. Sandoval and Schierholtz on the other hand need to get done NOW before they get to the numbers exchanges…..

Just my two cents….. YMMV…..

ClutchUp

It is possible the G’s FO is going to half to “wear” their choice of the phrase “raining-day-fund”. As merely a baseball person, I would have been fine with them just speaking baseball-ese, but with William (Horlick) Neukom moving to an Emeritus status – they chose the Raining Day Fund…expression.

For Baer, Sabean and Bochy, 3 guys who throw nicknames and sweet-heart- phrases around, I would have been happier if one of them had just said “look we have give or take 13 Arb. Eligible guys to sign and 55 and 18 are the priority.

Saw on one of Baggs’ other triple-header posts that poster “LukeW” thought the Vogelsong signing was the biggest of the off season. Not sure that I agree. Now two years removed from the WS, and a 2011 season that was Murphys-Law + many unusual yet predictable moves by a Vet Skipper and a Vet GM, I feel the totality of the off season is going to come in as #1 in importance.

Their 3 Sept Organizational Meetings where Quasi-Interventions apparently took place regarding: (1A) Our Pitching (1B) Style of Play (2) Types of Players to acquire through FA. (3) Types of Skill Sets of Players to Draft – PLUS taking care of exhisting contracts and the same going forward almost rivals and ONE particular item. That is UNLESS they sign 55 & 18 before, during ST.

Currently the Vogelsong signing is vital, but so were the acquisition of Pagan and Cabrera.

BTW, anybody know? The Voglesong’s live in Philly…. That just seems wrong 😉 Relocate year around to Scottsdale = I can live with Ryan.

ClutchUp

@ What We’re All Thinking ++++++++

Great TOPIC compared to those topics you were dealing with several months ago 😉

Anti-Lasorda

Giants sign John Bowker!!!!

Haven’t we been down this road before?….

Oh wait, it’s the YOMURI Giants……

Sayonara Bowkersan…..

Anti-Lasorda

No word on wether or not Todd Linden, Damon Minor and Lance Neikro went with him….

The story has been written for Bowker: A Giants’ prospect traded to Pittsburgh, now headed to Japan, with a stop in the Phillies’ minor league organization.

Get ready for it: “And starting in RF for your 2017 NL All-Stars, from the San Francisco Giants–John Bowkerrrrrr!!!!!” Then in early 2018, Bowker will get a contract making him a multimillionaire.

Just ask Ryan Vogelsong how this works. And remember in five years that I CALLED THIS.

Anti-Lasorda

If you’re right Lefty, I don’t want to be JB’s father-in-law……

ClutchUp

Doubtful that Eugenio the Now SL Card, could please Japanese Baseball. They are Fundamentally Sound.

Fundamentally Sound and Gino Velez in the same sentence = Nope 🙁

Bapah

Smart and Gino in the same sentence = nope

ClutchUp

Lefty: Bowker v. Vogelsong. You make me smile so much 😉

Pitchers CAN re-invent themselves, position players = We now know that anything is Possible but highly Improbable.

ChannelClemente needs to find data-back up on my theory 😉

This is also why Pitching Coaches last longer than hitting Coaches. Remember that in 2014 Hensley Meulens is going to be an astronaut and travel into outer space – thus the two headed current hitting coaches of Meulens and Joe (they already fired me once) Lefebvre.

ClutchUp

Anti: Brian Dallimore – Justin Knoedler

stickman

Vogelsong keeps it up the next couple years with an ERA no higher than the 3.65 to 4.15 range and someone’s gonna write a book and maybe even do a screenplay. Better than that ERA zone and the bio on him and his career is a virtual guarantee ~ even if i have to do it myself.

ClutchUp

JD4SF says: NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Fox settled their lawsuit late Tuesday night, removing an impediment to the sale of the bankrupt team.

“Removing an impediment” = something that we should thank the SJMercury for also “doing” here with *—-*.

We bow down. No not in Tebow style but in appropriate thank you’s.

orangeandblack

Earnest and humble, with $8 mil in the bank! Probably gave the team an hometown discount at that. Way to go Vogey, hope you come out firing again.

Keep’n It Real

ClutchUp @ 1227pm: Raising my Diet Coke can to the SJMercury for their “Removing an impediment” actions.

Anti-Lasorda

Upon some consideration and reflection…..\

This is most likely the last contract Vogelsong will ever sign given his age…. 34

I wonder, the discussions between Nicole, Ryan and his agent went like about buying his free agency next year for a mere $5.3M when he could have commanded $12M+ easy with another 2011…

I wonder if him sitting in his East Pa home, looking at Oswalt looking for work made him more likely to sign…..

You have to figure is was a couple of nights of interesting discussions between Mr and Mrs Vogelsong…..

I would wonder how many of our wives would be screaming “Sign it, sign it!” and how many would be willing to risk it knowing they would have this year $3M payday (already a life changer for the Vogelsongs more than doubling their net worth) and go for at least twice the amount ,and maybe up to 10X, the amount next offseason if he duplicated his 2011 performance.

If Vogey has his 2011 in 2012, he would have been asking for 3 year and $36M to $45M dollars in free agency. To buy that opportunity for a ‘mere’ $5.3M makes an interesting couple of bedside conversations for certain…..

Anti-Lasorda

When he signed yesterday, Vogelsong’s career earning were less than $1.5M…..

Good day for the Vogey family…..

ClutchUp

Near Career OR Career Ending Home Plate Walk Off Celebrations:

During a game against the Seattle Mariners on May 29, 2010, Morales hit a walk-off grand slam. It was his first career grand slam, but in a disastrous turn of events, Morales fractured his lower left leg while celebrating his feat, landing awkwardly on home plate. He was immediately placed on the disabled list. On May 11, 2011, it was announced that Morales, still sidelined by his injured ankle from 2010, would miss the whole 2011 season due to complications in his rehabilitation from surgery on the ankle.

Now the Angels avoided arbitration with first baseman Kendrys Morales, tweets Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times. Morales hasn’t appeared in the Majors since May 29th, 2010, when he broke his ankle in a home plate celebration.

Robert Tanios Taggert “Tagg” Bozied
Tagg Bozied started off 2004 hitting .315/.374/.629 with 16 homers and 58 RBI in his first 57 games for Portland. On July 19, he hit a game-winning game-ending grand slam to give Portland a victory over the Tacoma Rainiers. During his celebration at home plate, he ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee and had to be hospitalized. He did not return to the field that year. Bozied battled knee problems throughout 2005, hitting .333/.388/.533 in 12 games for Mobile and .259/.323/.444 in 14 contests for Portland.

This likely cost him a shot at the majors.

ClutchUp

Keep’n It Real says: January 12th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
ClutchUp @ 1227pm: Raising my Diet Coke can to the SJMercury for their “Removing an impediment” actions.

channelclemente says: January 12th, 2012 at 1:29 pm CU,of course a pitcher can reinvent themselves, just not usually at Vogelsong’s age. They add a pitch, change something about their game, find control, move to a different role, etc.Examples, hmm, Sandy Koufax, Caprpenter, Wainwright, Dennis Eckersley.

=Good List=
Compared to Position Players and (big AND) with NO PED involvement.

Me=I still can’t seem to quantify Brady Anderson’s 1996 season with 50 HR’s. Not sure what his overall legacy will be although his eventual Posters were huge in a certain neighborhood in San Francisco.

ClutchUp

Brad Penny=Should be on the List=Just not on mine 😉

ClutchUp

Brad Penny 33 years old …. hmmm…doubtful that the SF Brass would even consider …. possible yet not probable.

If omens are useful he graduated from Broken Arrow High School.

Baltar

This signing is probably the only good move the Giants have made this offseason, other than cutting Kepper.
There is better than a 50/50 chance that Vogelsong will provide at least 2 WAR this season and next and a decent chance that he may provide much more. The chance that he will collapse to zero is not high.
Of course, any of the Giants moves could succeed or fail. If there were certainty in baseball, GM’s would make minimum wage.
Thanks for the FA update, ClutchUp. I don’t see any SS or even utility help there. The Giants, of course, missed the boat by signing both Affeldt and Lopez. The salary of one of them would have paid for someone like Barmes or Furcal, both good risks, especially considering the Giants lack of a quality starter at SS and depth at both middle-infield positions.

totalfan62

During the SFG Clubhouse thing that was on the Giants website, Baer said something like “I don’t like the word ‘cap’. It’s a targeted number…”

I truly hope that is true and not another disingenuous comment. Also agree that Pablo for certain should be offered a sensible contract before arbitration. My heart says Nate as well, if only because the Giants have hindered his growth and development since 2008.

My gut says when all is said and done we’ll be in the mid to high 130s, and I will be very disappointed if we have to trade Affeldt or another solid player in order to stay at 130MM. Especially since that figure includes the $30MM sunk cost for Rowand and Zito.

Fact is, with those contracts hanging around our necks the payroll should be closer to $150MM.

al oha

Again, Congratulations to the Vogelsongs.

Yeah, Nicole deserves some credit, too. They deserve every penny and then some. Great role models for families everywhere. But Ryan as a role model in the clubhouse for younger players and pitchers, you cannot put a price on.

Great to see good things happen to good people.

al oha

@49 Baltar,

The Brandons are gonna open some eyes this year.

We are all going to look at Crawford and Belt in a whole different light by this time next year.

ClutchUp

Baltar said: Vogelsong signing is probably the only good move the Giants have made this offseason, other than cutting Kepper.

Hmmmm, I respectfully disagree.
Trades are considered “moves”. I like the Pagan and Cabrera trades.
Keppinger was non-tendered when they chose Fontenot. They made OTHER moves by who they did not bring back, although I like them as people and what they brought to the Clubhouse.

Gone are Burrell-DeRosa-Ross-JSanchez (trade)-ATorres (trade)

(Wall of Fame Giants when they are inducted – implanted on McGowan’s wall when the entire 2010 team is honored)

2010 was Special but its almost Two Years Removed.

al oha

Regarding the $130 self-imposed “Cap”.

I propose that Peter McGowan compensate Barry Zito in equal value of his Ownership Shares, and kick Zeets upstairs. Have him and his bride, watch games from the Owner’s booth. Peter should have to pay for his part in the responsibility of giving out such a debilitating Contract. This would get Zito’s salary out of the “Cap” and compensate him equally.

Apparently, he is content on receiving his paychecks without contributing. Everyone knows that if and when the Giants make the post-season, Barry won’t be on the active roster. The Giants are willing to bite the bullet, and let him eat innings in the regular season, while paying him that ridiculous salary, but they’re never going to risk Must-Win Games.

Unfortunately, the one I don’t want has a $19M auto-deposit slip filed at the Giants payroll office.

I’m surprised “the Bowtie” didn’t wear a t-shirt that said “”Don’t ask me, ask Peter”, whenever the whole Zito contract was brought up last year. The t-shirt would have to be the same style of the “Don’t ask me, ask Barry” t-shirts Bonds/Zito sported a few years back.

al oha

Well, the timing of those posts fit nicely, didn’t it.

Just after CU mentions McGowan, and KIR mentions Zito and Peter.

dan

I would not count on #5

al oha

McGowan helped keep the Giants in S.F.

He signed Barry Bonds and brought him home.

He was rewarded with a W.S. Championship finally, when others made the important decisions, and a Ring.

Now he should compensate the other Barry with equal value of his own Ownership Shares, be given a gold watch, and retire.

In trying to under stand Vogelsongs success and fearing he won’t regress, Fangraphs throws up it’s collective hands, and concludes that the only answer to his and the Giant’s success is ‘Dave Reghetti’s just a magician’. All in favor.

Yes, the financial strategy includes planning ahead for the next few years where SF will need to spend larger to keep key players. (So the 2012 budget was increased, but a bunch is also earmarked to address 2012+ existing needs plus Uh-Oh needs.)

Yes, the more agressive base running, etc., that we saw in Sept is definitely part of the new Giants strategy … which guided the acquisitions of MCabrera and Pagan to add more speed and small ball talent.

To further clarify, the 2012 strategy is geared to increased success at AT&T pitcher’s park.

* Emphasis on platinum pitchers.
* Increased emphasis on small ball
* Ensure there are still several long ball hitters
* Better D up the middle. (Crawford at SS.)
* Build from within, supplement as needed

This formula should result in more wins, especially at home. But it should also be effective in smaller parks, with better table setters to move around for RBIs.

IMO (in MY opinion) the financial plan and new strategy indicated by Sabean and Bochy will serve the Giants well in 2012 and going forward, keeping us competitive for years to come.

JD4SF

al oha says:
January 12th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
52..
We are all going to look at Crawford and Belt in a whole different light by this time next year.
=======

I sure hope your crystall ball is correct! 🙂

JD4SF

What We’re All Thinking says:
January 12th, 2012 at 8:36 am
12..
Woke up this morning at 4 am,
===========

+++++++++++++

JD4SF

Lefty says:
January 12th, 2012 at 11:51 am
27..
The story has been written for Bowker:
=============

ClutchUp says:
January 12th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
53..
I like the Pagan and Cabrera trades.
=========

Agree. Their speed and small ball contributions should really help implement the new Giants strategy we were introduced to in Sept.

We may regret not keeping DeRosa if he continues to hit like he did in Sept. A versatile and competent utility player hitting .350+ in small ball would have been a huge advantage off the bench.

JD4SF

Anti-Lasorda says:
January 12th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
65..
I would sign Penny on a discount if we have any funds in the kitty……
==============

Who would you move down to make room for Penny?

Mavo

Keep’n It Real says:
January 12th, 2012 at 12:49 pm

ClutchUp @ 1227pm: Raising my Diet Coke can to the SJMercury for their “Removing an impediment” actions.
=============================================

Off topic … but a serious warning to KIR about diet coke!! I got hooked on diet soda for about three years and then got diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease!! IMO that is NOT a coincidence!! No proof … and that is why aspartame is still on the market. For those of you who use any of the 4,000 products with aspartame in them … please at least watch this online documentary before you put that poison in your body!!

“Rumsfeld’s conflict of interest and ASPARTAME: Rumsfeld was president of Searle corporation!, part of Reagan transition team, and got aspartame
‘legalized’ by appointing a defense department contractor (Hayes) as
head of FDA!”

al oha

Living in Hawaii during the last days of the C&H Sugar Plantations and learning to eat healthier, I learned that too much white sugar was not good for you. But, somehow ALWAYS felt that the artificial sweeteners were even WORSE.

Keep’n It Real

Thanks, Mavo.

I don’t drink Diet Coke much, but your warning is appreciated and taken under advisement.

I’ll have to share this with my wife…who is a nurse…and has done a great job of improving our eating habits significantly. This could be one of the few times I get to share an eating/drinking improvement to her. 🙂

Lefty

Anti-Lasorda says:
January 12th, 2012 at 11:55 am

If you’re right Lefty, I don’t want to be JB’s father-in-law……

Anti, haha, I thought of that, too. But he has five years to get his affairs in order before his number is UP in early 2017…

CU: Right, I do think it’s more feasible for a pitcher to re-invent himself than a position player, and obviously pitchers’ shelf lives seem to be longer in general. That’s why I really don’t have a problem with 2+ years for Vogelsong at age 34.

The good thing about the Vogey deal is that the risk is fairly balanced on both sides. The risk for the Giants is that 2011 was a fluke. The risk for Vogey is that he could get a better FA deal next year if 2012 goes equally well or better.

I think the Giants are going to be happy they have Vogey and that the Vogelsongs are content with “only” $8+ mil. guaranteed–that’s enough to send little Ryder (or “Vogelchild,” as Nicole calls him on Twitter) to the baseball camps and college of his dreams…

And as a wife, I’d be saying in no uncertain terms, “Are you crazy? Sign that thing before they change their minds!” (see=Ryan Madson’s $44 mil. deal with the Phillies that went “poof”)

Not that anyone is going to offer Mr. Lefty (or me, for that matter) $8 million for one good year of work. We’re both quite good at our jobs, have been for quite some time now, but, well…

Shucks. I’d take HALF of Vogey’s deal!

stickman

Mavo: Good posting. Donald Rumsfeld was the CEO of the chemical/pharmaceutical company which had developed Aspartame. Prior to his attaining that position the firm was getting nowhere with the FDA, lacking a safe track record via rigorous testing. Amazing how things work in this country when you add a little grease. Having already been a major honcho in the best Congress money can buy, the Donald was able to get that approval for Searle’s Aspartame tout de suite.

I too am convinced the stuff is a neurotoxin, having read a number of reports along those lines. Been trying to get my little sister off diet soda, but no luck so far. She’s hooked and at 12 years younger than me and into her mid-50’s, her overall health is not nearly so good as mine has been.

Partisan politics may not belong on this site, but when the state of our health becomes subject to political corruption it is everyone’s business.

al oha

Well said, Stick.

Mavo

Thanks for backing me up on the aspartame fiasco re:Rumsfeld! I agree it was off topic .. but necessary IMO. KIR please have your wife watch the video below. It is an eye opener and I researched this for over a year … all the facts in this film are TRUE!! Aspartame should NEVER have been approved for use in our food supply and would not have if Donald Rumsfeld did not influence the FDA when he was part of the Reagan Admin! Here is the link again to the excellent documentary “Sweet Misery” and I guarantee you … I WISH someone had warned me before I got addicted to diet sodas!! I’d be healthy and making plans for Scottsdale right now … not sitting here looking at my nurse who cares for me while my wife works!!

Mavo –
My personal experience with Aspertame is a periodic rapid, thumping heartbeat the doctors couldn’t explain. A friend had had a similar experience and suggested I stop using any products with Aspertame.

I’d started drinking a product that included Apsertame just prior to the heartbeat incidents started. I stopped drinking that product and never had a repeat of the rapid heartbeat.

Thanks for the YouTube link. I’ve shared it.

Mavo

Thanks JD4SF … in a way your lucky that your body was so sensitive to that stuff! I drank it for three years and then got this terrible disease. Some people cannot tolerate aspartame at all … and therefore do not do as much damage to their bodies. I am glad you saw the correlation and gave it up. Of course the aspartame industry would say your experience and mine are merely anecdotal … not proof!!

Mavo

I am sorry for hijacking our baseball blog to warn of the dangers of aspartame. But since I educated myself about it after I got sick I am now on a crusade to warn as many people as possible about that neurotoxin!! Anyone that wants to use any product with aspartame or Nutrasweet (the trade name for it) should at the LEAST first watch the online movie I posted a link to. Then at least they can have both sides of the issue before jeopardizing their health!

Mavo

By the way I am thrilled the Giants have Vogey locked up for three years at a reasonable salary! I do not think last year was a fluke in anyway. This guy has mastered the craft of pitching at his age!! What a great find last year for our Giants!! And one of the classiest guys in baseball to boot!!

I wonder if Roy Oswalt will eventually land in SF for the Righetti treatment. He, in the end, will be at a $$ value comparable to Vogelsong and Affeldt. He could be a real, not faux number 5 in this rotation.

Mavo

Thanks CC!! I know the facts behind aspartame … but sadly did not learn them until AFTER I got ALS!! I am not saying everyone who uses aspartame will get ALS. Maybe they get a brain tumor … or something else. But NOBODY will ever convince me that my use of aspartame was not a contributing factor in my getting Lou Gehrig’s disease!!

I’m super pleased with the moves the FO has made this winter. I’m super pleased with the new focus on pitching, speed and defense moving forward. I wish they had made this type of commitment sooner – like right around when Barry left. I firmly believe this team can win a lot of games, both at home and on the road, and I firmly believe that, should we make it to the playoffs, we will be a force to be reckoned with.

I also feel like the Brandons are going to have a fantastic season, I expect big things from Belt in particular. I’m not 100% convinced about Craw’s bat just yet, but I do think he will hit well enough to justify putting that phenomenal glove of his on the field every day.

The major question mark for me on this roster is that #5 slot in the rotation. I would not be opposed at all to bringing in a guy like Oswalt. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Surkamp get a shot at that spot though, if (perhaps I should say when) Zito flounders again.

Keep’n It Real

OK…I would put down my “Penny for 5th Starter” campaign signs, if Oswalt was brought in. It will be hard, but I’ll put on a “Penny Patch” on my arm and that should help me through the rough spots.

It’s rumored that the Mets offered a 1 year, $5MM dollar deal. The issue was the contracts duration and the fences being moved in in NY. Maybe, Roy is a bit more flexible now. IMO, 2 years at $10-12 MM, would be a pretty good deal for a look see, using Zito’s skills as a fall back. It’s just a question about the budget the Giants have set for themselves.

Anti-Lasorda

JD4SF says:
January 12th, 2012 at 3:01 pm ==============

Who would you move down to make room for Penny?

NO-BODY!……

Hence, if there were funds left in the kitty…..

Vogey’s contract puts stress on the $130M # as is, so the estimates right now are payroll at $127M with all the big boys still to come in Arbitration.

If the estimates are right, and I have a few Pennys left over, I might spare a few for Brad…..

Anti-Lasorda

Am I the only one who when talking to Cain about his extension, checks to see if he wouldn’t mind deferring about $5M over the course of the deal to make 2012 more palatable?

For that matter, we might try to really tail load it until after Zeets is on the books. He did that with this current extension 3 years ago.

Just an idear…

JD4SF

Anti-Lasorda says:
January 12th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
89..
JD4SF says: Who would you move down to make room for Penny?

A-L: NO-BODY!……
=================

Sorry, I wasn’t clear. If we start with a 25 man roster, including only X pitchers, someone on the current roster would need to be bumped to make room for Penny in that 25. Who would you bump?

Foothills Ryan

Donald Rumsfeld, Aspartame, Neurotoxin…

What’s going on here?

A-L, I dont’ see that deferred payments would make a difference. They would still have a full contract as a liability and it shouldn’t matter if they pay now or later. If crossing the arbitrary payroll limit cuts into the ‘rainy-day’ fund now, then deferring payments until later would make that later date a rainy day.

I think the arm to go after is Rich Harden. Dude’s an injury risk so he shouldn’t command much for a 1 year deal. I’m thinking 1/4 but could be as low as 1/2 given his track record. There’s your long relief and additional fifth starter option. Runzler and Surkamp can work on getting PCL hitters out. Zito can hold onto the job until he is out of a job (but still collect clams from our sea-shore). Maybe Heston or Fitzgerald have a strong enough year to make emergency starts. Maybe Boof Bonser is ready by mid-summer.

Rich Harden, probably worth a flyer. You can never have too much pitching.

Anti-Lasorda

JDSF

Runzler is that guy on the bubble, and he has options so barring any injuries, he’s your guy. Zito would become the long LH man and replace him.

Assuming Penny won the job.

I am still holding out against hope that with his fathers conidition apparently stabilized, and with a move it or loose it ultimatum clearly over his head, that Barry will show up in camp as first half of 2010 Barry when he carried the staff despite horredenous run support.

If that Barry shows up, get out of the gate with a little bit of offensive mojo, and Bochy gets the Mike Scocia textbook on aggressive baserunning this will be a good year….

In order for Penny to me (actually) signed there would have had to be a decision NOW or SOON on Zito or Runzler.

Penny won’t be a Giant unless it’s the Giants in Japan…

Anti-Lasorda

Foothills once Zito is off the books, the rain stops, or at least the drizzle can be managed in a bucket assuming I am still getting the performance I’m paying for.

The real problem with the payroll this year is the $45M in Huff, Zito, Rowand and that we will get next to nothing for all three.

Rowand is gone, Zito gets shelled in 4 of his 5 April starts and is cut loose, Huff strains his back in the spring and has one of his traditional slow starts (even in 2010 he came out of the box horrid) with a .240 batting average in May. IF that combines with good starts by both Belt and Schierholtz who are fighting for playing time we could be looking at $44.6M is dead investment. By 2014 that all off the books, no huge and MadBum and Posey are still under arbitration control. Being able to defer money until then is a HUGE help.

I have no delusions that Rowand $13.6M will go un noticed in just raises due Vogelsong, Sandoval, Romo, Mad Bum, Posey…. But the other $30M or so makes it so I have plenty of bucket room for that rain….

Anti-Lasorda

CU

Bonzer will start the season on the DL an likeli won’t even pitch in ST coming off his Tommy John….

Lefty

CU,

Bonser had TJ surgery and won’t be available till summer. No ST for him.

Agree with A-L: if they did sign a fifth starter, it would be Runzler getting bumped and Zito in the bullpen. Didn’t he have a couple OK mop-up outings late in the season?

Only 30 years old. A spring chicken! He’ll have to wait for the 2013 All-Star game, though…

Big Janks

Straight from the espn rumor mill. This should make mitchvman happy. But makes no sense at all when you figure we still have to sign Timmy and Cain.

I hate when respected writers throw stuff like this together

———
So far there have been at least eight clubs that are believed to either have interest in Prince Fielder now, or did at one point and to some extent. Those seven are the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals.

The Nationals are the hot rumor right now and considered the favorites, but could there be a surprise suitor out there somewhere? The Dodgers were mentioned last month to Rumor Central as an eventual possibility by Jim Bowden, and Buster Olney wrote Wednesday that Frank McCourt should sign the slugger on his way out the door, but what about a true surprise?

Before the offseason began it appeared to me that the San Francisco Giants are a perfect fit for Fielder. He gets to stay in the National League, the Giants have pitching and are expected to contend. Aubrey Huff’s contract is a small obstacle, but if they stick with their plan to play Huff in the outfield, Fielder fits.

Brandon Belt, the projected first baseman at present, could move to right field making Nate Schierholtz the fourth outfielder he likely is anyway, creating room for Prince at first base.

The Giants have spent money on the past — Barry Zito, Barry Bonds, Aaron Rowand — and have under $85 million committed for 2012 after starting 2011 with a payroll just under $120 million.

There have been no indications whatsoever that the club is considering such a move, but while it would surprise many, it shouldn’t shock anyone if things turn in that direction, very much like the Cliff Lee situation last offseason.

Just thinking outside the box here, because we all know agent Scott Boras is doing that very thing.

ClutchUp

Lefty and A-L thanks for the Bonser update = Surgery etc.

Zito has a miniscule couple of mop up outings in 2011. Prior to that, including me doing the posting ALL We Heard from almost everybody was that Zito’s Pitch – Prep Routine did not bode well for coming out of the pen.

I could say something right here and now but it would be DQ’d from the Thread, so let me just say it the PC way.

The Giants Brass Organizational Meeting Interventions have apparently included a not-so subtle message directly to BZ = THAT excuse will not be tolerated in 2012.

Suprisingly although hidden in two or three of Barry Zito’s public comments this Fall/Winter = he has admitted that he has “changed” his “Routine”…drastically = Bingo!

ClutchUp

Big Janks says: January 12th, 2012 at 6:29 pm Just thinking outside the box here, because we all know agent Scott Boras is doing that very thing.

B_Janks: From what I gather the SFG’s thinking outside the box days are either done or numbered. The Zito Gizmo was the last one, remembering that the rumor that the Mets were in the hunt by upping the ante and Rick Peterson was the NYM pitching coach IE Reunion opportunity.

I heard the Nats rumor, in the driver seat; Also heard that he could go back to the Brewers for 1 yr preparing him for a LAD offer in 2013.

Lastly, Belt could no more handle RF at AT&T than Beltran could. BB9 is a LF/1bman /slash/ Lefthanded Pitcher at the Wives and Children Softball game held annually, but I realize “outside of the box” was the opperative word.

love this guy. its really special when a guy who has had some struggles in life gets to have great success and reap the benefits. truly a great American success story. hope he dominates in 2012 and beyond, with the Giants for many years. Go Vogey!

ClutchUp

Although many detest this expression I am sure…

RF is Nate’s Job to lose….

The other night I fawned over Raggs – Renel interview on how candidly Raggs was with everything pitching. Truthfully you all know this but Dave said MORE in that interview then he had in his combined years with the Club. (He would make an outstanding Skipper ala Bud Black)

Today I re-listened to the Bochy interview and was shocked that I had missed the part after a Season Ticket holder asked about “Small Ball” – “moving guys over” etc – BB15/16 made my info of organizational meeting interventions regarding “hitting-style” seem feasable. Bochy said that NOW, everything is now down “on paper” and that at every level of baseball within the Org. that all hitters will KNOW a head of time, going into ST what is expected of them in every and any situational moment within all 9 inning and beyond.

Good to Hear!

pacman68

Please Giants sign Roy Oswalt. Please. Not being a doom sayer but Volgesong had one good year. PLease Sabean … get us a number 5!!!

Big Janks

That was not me “thinking outside the box”. It was in the espn rumor mill. I’m completely against signing fielder to a massive contract

However, Belt could outhit Schierholtz in ST pushing him to the 4th OF and moving Cabrera over to right. Zito could be terrible in ST and someone else claims the spot. Or somebody could start the year on the DL and shake things up that way.

Lefty

Ryan,

From what they’ve said, it’s Belt, Huff, and Nate fighting it out for two jobs. I don’t think Huff is the default like he was last year. The most common statement is that Belt is a 1B and Huff is getting in shape to play the OF. Bochy keeps saying that Nate is probably his guy in RF. Of course, Nate has heard that before (see: 2010).

You’re right that ST and/or injuries will determine the outcome. Of course, Huff and Belt both had great springs last year while Nate barely made the team, and of the three, who was the most valuable in 2011? So who the heck knows?

I agree; that’s what I’ve heard, too. But I agree they got Angel to lead off and play CF. And I can’t really believe that Melky and his 200 hits are on the bench, at least not at first. So Nate and Huff fighting for RF?

I think an interesting lineup question is who hits third and fifth between Melky and Sandoval.

Yeah, maybe Huff and Nate battling it out, but Huff, if he does beat out Nate, would probably play LF with Melky in RF. Then you could do a late inning sub with Nate, moving Melky to LF. Same thing Bochy did with Pat, Cody and Nate.

Truth be told, we’ll probably see all of these combinations and then some at some point next season.

The lineup question is a good one too. If it were me, Pablo would get most of his ABs from the three spot, with Posey hitting cleanup. I think Pablo is going to be the best hitter on the club in ’12…I want him getting as many ABs as possible.

Lefty

Dinero,

I agree. Pablo hits well in the third spot, and I don’t want to wait until the second inning for him to hit. I envision Pablo/Buster/BB as the heart of the order, but I don’t think they’ll put Belt there until he gets more confidence. In 2012, I’d guess that Melky will bat fifth.

yeah, Panda not needing protection is a good argument. One thing we’re assuming though is that Freddy will be the same guy. I hope he will be, I think he will be, but it’s possible he won’t. If he isn’t our #2 guy, maybe we slot Melky in there. He hit almost exclusively in the two spot for KC last year I believe.

Lefty

A-L,

Yeah, if we really get the 200-hit Melky, I could see it that way, too…

I still like Panda hitting 3rd though, at least for the most part. Mix it up once in a while, sure. But for me, the best hitter on the team goes in the three spot, and I think that guy is going to be Pablo – barring injuries and such, of course. I think the Panda might go .320-.330 with 25-30 bombs this year.

JD4SF

CU:
Today I re-listened to the Bochy interview […] Bochy said that NOW, everything is now down “on paper” and that at every level of baseball within the Org. that all hitters will KNOW a head of time, going into ST what is expected of them in every and any situational moment within all 9 inning and beyond.
=========

Too funny that you missed it the first time! That response by Bochy answering about small ball is what had me pumping my fist in the air and convinced me the Giants really DO have a new strategy incorporating implementing more small ball!

al oha

The 3rd batter should be anyone of Posey, Huff, Sandoval, Melky, Belt, Freddie, or Nate, who can best keep their OBP high, run the bases, score runs, hit for AVG. and hit for some Power, driving in runs when opportunities present itself.

I would love to see Pablo do what’s necessary to be a good 3rd hitter and seize that spot. Being a switch hitter is a major advantage. So far, he must show more discipline in his pitch selection. Free swingers don’t necessarily make for good 3rd hitters, where you need consistency and a tough out. Pablo makes for a good 5th hitter in a good lineup because of his clutch hitting and the fact he doesn’t really need protection behind him like most hitters, because he can hit anything when pitchers try to nibble around his zones.

Willie Mays was the ultimate 3rd batter in my book. Barry Bonds in his earlier years, or any year for that matter, would be a great 3rd, with his walks his OPB was off the charts.

Lefty

Al,

And Will Clark!

al oha

The lineup I would go with TODAY, from seeing last year and projecting to this new season, is:

I agree Will the Thrill was good, but not ideal. I like that 3rd batter to be able to RUN, too. That position in the order should be BOTH, a Run Scorer AND a RBI guy.

Matt Kemp puts alot of pressure on a defense and can make hitters around him better. He is Fast and Powerful.

But, yeah Lefty, I know your instincts and intuition for what is best on the baseball field, is off the charts. If I was in the Giants Organization, I’d hire you in an instant. You can never have too much brainpower in the Brain-Trust. Sometimes there seems to be no brains, and you can’t trust them. That word has proven to be a contradiction in terms, or an oxymoron. Brain-trust, Military Intelligence, Modern History, Natural Makeup, Future News, Seriously Funny, are just a handful.

Nate’sFanMom

Tampa Bay is still looking for more hitting. I’m still wondering if Huff would be a good match. Huff is motivated (contract year), in shape, and loves TB. The return SF would get would depend on show much of his contract gets picked up.

Why am I wondering about this? Because first base is the only postion Huff plays well. It’s a real stretch to have him be an everyday OF.

More importantly, Belt is a genuine talent. SF needs to develop this guy at the MLB level. They can always platoon him aganst LH pitching until his confidence builds up.

My guess, however, is that Huff will be the opening day 1B.

al oha

Sigh…. This Stern gravatar is becoming the bain of my existence. I have changed it twice and he won’t go away.

All I know is, it better be gone by the time the Niners play on Saturday.

Anti-Lasorda

Hey whoever is giving out jobs in the front office, I’m looking for a career change….

al oha

NFM,

You get it, too. Belt should be in a platoon with Pill to see who gets the majority of innings. If given Huff’s 521 AB’s last year, either one of these guys would have outproduced Aubrey and the Giants may have been in the Playoffs. That’s not even talking about playing Defense at 1B.

The Giants already know Huff won’t be there in 2013. Why prolong the suspense and hold back young players? In fact, Brett Pill is not that young anymore.

A trade to TB would be great. But the question is, would they want Aubrey Huff? I hope he comes to Spring Training and rips the cover off the baseball.

I picture Sally Fields at the Academy Awards Podium, where she says, “You LOVE me, you REALLY LOVE me!”

walt kovacs

selig is a hack for the owners…of course they are keeping him on

total joke

Mavo

I was watching the Hot Stove on MLB Network and they were discussing the Vogelsong signing. Just to emphasize how clueless some of these “experts” are … or at least how misinformed they are with anything west of the Appalachians … Richard Justice claimed a lot of pitchers looking to revive their careers try and go to the Giants so their pitching coach “Dick Tidrow” can salvage their careers!!! This yahoo who some consider one of the best baseball writers in the country did not even know Rags was pitching coach for the Giants … for … oh 12 friggin years now!! And the sad part is the other three did not try and correct him. Sad commentary on the quality of these “talkin’ heads”.

Walter Guest

Talking about Dave Righetti I’ve got to add this. His father, Leo Righetti, was a slick fielding shortstop for the Seals. He was the best I’d seen. When I played short I tried to model my moves and attitude after him.

Foothills Ryan

Leo Righetti ? How about that ? (In Mel Allen’s voice)

Melky Cabrera should not be hitting third. Don’t be seduced by the 200 hits. Sure, Bochy might put him there in a pinch if Sandoval is getting a breather, but he’s going to see more time hitting 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th and leadoff when Pagan is out. It depends how he hits.

And don’t sleep on Pilates-Huff. Everybody has written him off except for believers in on-year, off-year and Mayan cycles.

al: On the qualities of #3 hitters: Yes, Bonds (Barry), Mays, and Kemp are certainly the prototypes. When you say those names, though, you realize what rare birds they really are in terms of tools. I think of a really good #3 hitter as one who hits for average and power and who takes pitches, whereas a cleanup hitter is more about the power, perhaps with a lower BA than the #3 hitter. Will Clark was way more about average than power, and he was fortunate to have Kevin Mitchell and Matt Williams hitting behind him.

Everyone is right that by any definition, Sandoval is not your ideal #3 hitter. However, in his own way(!), he hits for average and power. The conventional wisdom is that your “best hitter” hits third, and at this point, Sandoval is definitely the Giants’ best hitter.

Posey, on the other hand, may be more like Clark–if he makes a full comeback, I expect him to always be in the .280-.300 range and always in the 15-20 home run range. Belt could definitely mature into a #3 hitter, but it could take a year or two. Of the possible eventual scenarios with those three, the only one I don’t see is Belt as #4:

Once we flip Timmy for prospects and use his money to sign Fielder, we’ll have to re-do this whole discussion… 🙂

Mavo: Remember those Hot Stove guys who think Dick Tidrow is the pitching coach also thought the Giants should trade MadBum for Hanley Ramirez. Nuf said.

totalfan62

I was going to post what Mavo just did, re MLB Network and Righetti. The MLB talking heads should be embarrassed not to correct the Righetti vs. Tidrow comments. Righetti is a highly respected PC, very well known in MLB circles. Unbelievable.

Further evidence that MLB Network is out of touch on the Giants: their projected 2012 starting lineup for the Giants Cabrera leading off playing CF, with Huff 1B, Belt LF, Nate RF and Pagan on the bench. Granted they are not as close to our team as our writers or us, but wow, that’s pretty bad.

Al Oha: I’m seeing your Montana/Lott avatar, FYI.

totalfan62

Lefty: the MLB Network belief that the Giants should trade MadBum for Hanley Ramirez was most often voiced by Mitch Williams, who is rapidly becoming the Tim McCarver of that network. Some of his statements and opinions are at the least head-scratchers and often make little if any sense. I truly believe he has some condition which needs medication, as sometimes he slurs words and has involuntary movement.

Lefty

Totalfan,

Wow, it sounds like the MLB folks really don’t know anything about the Giants. It’s like the Pagan trade didn’t happen. If anything, I’m guessing that Sabean considers that trade the key move of the off-season because it addresses their critical lead-off/CF need (which Melky does NOT, except in an emergency).

Here’s another lineup possibility, just for fun:

Angel
Melky
Sandoval
Posey
Belt/Huff/Pill
Freddy
Nate
Craw

As others have noted, Melky has been a good two-hitter. Moving Freddy down could break up the string of lefty hitters at the bottom of the order. I suppose if Nate is hitting well, he could even bat 6th and Freddy 7th. (This also has the lineup in place if/when Freddy goes down with an injury. Font/Burriss belong down around #7. 🙁 )

Lefty

Al & NFM:

Also agree that developing Belt at 1B is more important than doing whatever with Huff this year. Not quite sure how Pill fits in. If it weren’t for Posey needing to play some days at 1B, it would be clearer, but right now the backup right-handed 1B is Buster Posey, not Brett Pill. However, I think Pill will be on the team doing various things, and I expect him to contribute.

Al, I also see your Montana avatar, so you’re all set for tomorrow! Go Niners!

al oha – I see 42 and 16 as your gravatar…and I like it. A lot. Who’s got it better than us?

al oha

Really? I have gone to different browsers, cleared my cache, restarted my computer, everything, and Stern’s sad mug is still there, I can’t seem to shake him. I have even eliminated him totally from my hard drive and yet, I still see him.

OK, back to baseball, I completely agree with the wisdom of making Belt the top priority. I felt that way last year as well, actually. In my opinion,he should just be the 1B in 2012. No platoons, just play him. OK, if Posey needs a day off or if Belt needs a day off or if we are going against Kershaw or someone, then I could see sitting him. But the mentality should be that Belt is the 1B. Leave the offensive potential (which is huge) out of the equation and he still makes us a better team with his 1B defense.

Bochy also doesn’t have his “I hate rookies” card to play anymore either. Brandon’s not a rook, he’s just a young guy now. It’s time to play him.

I do feel bad for Pill, he’s probably going to get left out in the cold. Hopefully he can contribute off of the bench.

Anti-Lasorda

Belt hits more like a young Dave Kingman than a true #3 hitter. It probably has something to do with their tall frames. I would think that “Kong II, the Gnarly Giraffe” is much better suited as a four hitter long term just as Poseys stroke us more suited to a #3 hitter. If we could only do something about his wheels……

It’ll be interesting to see how Bochy handles this line-up. It isn’t loaded with veterans, so there isn’t too much in the way of blockng younger players.

My biggest fear, however, is that Bochy slips Whiteside onto the 25-man roster.

Lefty

Nate’sFanMom says:
January 13th, 2012 at 10:24 am

My biggest fear, however, is that Bochy slips Whiteside onto the 25-man roster.

UGH. I can’t rule it out, either. That would be ridiculous. Stewart plays much better defense and handles the pitchers (especially Lincecum) very well. Hector Sanchez is knocking on the door. I can’t think of one good reason in the world why we ever need to see Whiteside in a Giants’ uniform again unless there’s a horrible, tragic rush of injuries that extends down to Johnny Monell and Tommy Joseph in AA–either of whom I’d rather see before Whiteside again.

For me, that’s tied with my biggest fear: Belt starting the year in Fresno instead of at 1B for the Giants where he belongs.

ClutchUp

I think if Bochy’s rotational lineup card doesn’t produce wins then less then patient fans (especially EBaggers) are going to produce thoughts here that they won’t be able to retract.

Although it seems that our OF is way under staffed (Melky-Angel-Nate) it also sends a clear statement that at times certain hybrid If/OF’s are going to see the Outfield. Belt/Huff/Pill/Burriss.

Unless Huff has a spring training that mirrors his 2011 season do NOT expect to see BB9 in the opening day lineup. He is not replacing Cabrera in LF, Pagan in CF or Nate in RF unless spring training produces negative news of the 3 mentioned. BB9 is surely not a CF and the only RF action he could possibly get is on the road, not at AT&T.

Do I think BB9 is ready? Mostly, sort of. But it’s doubtful my opinion matters as much as the entire SF Giants Bureau (known as) Sabean-Tidrow-Evans-Barr-Siegle-Shelley-Stanley. (Regardless of what they say on Twitter; Twitter is mainly to appease disgruntled 2011 fans, not to state the truth)

Don’t say so what unless you’re willing to frustrate yourself/ourselves; SF’s ENTIRE organization believes in what they believe in. Right NOW, BB9’s total Milb At Bats added to his MLB At Bats in their view = is too small of a sample size.

Semi-Prediction, similar to “minor-miracle” or “a little bit pregnant” is that BB9 will be the exception to the rule. Barring injury he’ll make it too difficult for the Bureau to NOT play.

Anti: He may hit NOW like a young Kingman, but I see him eventually if not sooner as a Darryl Strawberry type (minus of course all the off field trauma/drama; SF has no Dwight Gooden’s to hang out with).

A cautionary tale though as I have said before: BB9 will have games where he will hit 2-3 HR’s in one game (on the road) and have 7-10 RBI’s and weeks where he goes 14/27 and then on occasion he will go into certain series and not match up with certain SP and seemingly look lost at the plate. It will NOT look like it did last year though…

And unlike Kingman, doubtful that he’ll get traded by different clubs…

Brandon Belt is a long range KEEPER for SFG’s.

stickman

Shocker, surprise of the league this season? Giants offense. For years it has been derided, denigrated and even despised. This go-round it looks to be different ~ by a long margin ~ from the sad-sack lame excuse for hitting that we saw last season with the injuries and the declining vets. Think about it.

Speed and slash at lead-off with Pagan. Whether Freddy or Melky there will be a lot of base hits emanating from the two-hole, quite a few of them doubles. In whatever order, the three-four-five combo of Pablo, Buster and Belt brings a barrage of extra-base hits and a slew of singles after the table-setters do their thing. Nate and Melky/Freddy hitting in the 6 and 7 spots will keep a lot of rallies alive ~ or may set them off. Crawford may be the one weak link among the position players, but probably not as weak as some think. He does have some discernment when it comes to taking pitches and his hitting is likely to improve rather than revert to last year’s challenges. He will draw quite a few walks, so that even with two outs and the pitcher making the last one, it would turn the lineup over to get us to Angel leading off again.

So what’s not to like? Better than league-average offense is my projection ~ say about sixth out of 16 teams in runs scored. That happens and with the platinum pitching and a solid defense throughout, AND no serious injuries brings SF another parade.

ClutchUp

Lefty: The Whiteside signing (hopefully and IMO) was a good soldier reward for 2010 WS; a thank you for initially stepping in for Buster (82 games) even though he literally and figuratively fell on his face.

Had they tendered Eli it would have drawn roughly 700K. By non-tendering him at signing him for 425K, he’ll have to beat out Stewart and I can’t see that happening.

I read somewhere that if Eli plays Minor League ball his contract is 195K.

Lastly I am sure Anti-Lasorda and many of you would agree.
PLEASE get that #22 OFF of Whiteside’s Jersey 😉

Baer and all the Investors need to make a HUGE exception and take Anti-L up on his suggestion; Even though neither are in the HOF, have a Jack and Will Clark Ceremony and retire #22 for All Time.

Lefty

Okay, so Cody Ross has gotten very active on Twitter. I don’t follow him, but various Bay Area writers I do follow have retweeted him in the last few days.

First he and Baggs were playing virtual kissy-face. Today he wished Kevin Mitchell a happy 50th birthday (and, oh, geeze, did that make me feel OLD!).

He is acting more like a lifetime Giant than an EX-Giant. Just sayin’.

Keep’n It Real

ClutchUP @ 1111am: I agree about the #22 exception, but for Will…not so much for Jack. Will was the reason why this franchise picked themselves up and stopped losing 100 games. Kruk and Kuip talk about Will’s impact to that roster in a similar opinion as mine. Jack always whined about Candlestick and didn’t grow up until he went to St. Louis; although some would say (with his comments not so long ago) he still hasn’t grown up.

Lefty @ 1121am: I too have seen Cody being active on Twitter. Would love to have him back…even on a 1 year. Although the numbers are at a different level, if they can reward Whiteside for service with a contract that keeps him in the organization…they can hook Cody up with a contract that gets him on the opening day roster.

Anti-Lasorda

Cody Ross, Molina II the Gnarly Dude….

I think there is a good chance of it happeneing on a 1yr, but not until next week will we know fer sure…..

It all comes down to Timm-eh’s # folks. Does he sign for $18M or win $25M in arbitration?

Both can happen, and both hugely impact the roster and whether or not Sabean can add anymore before ST…..

ClutchUp

Mavo and Others:

Mitch Williams cannot be taken seriously at any level but especially when referring to the SFG’s.

* His INFAMOUS outing versus Will Clark, Game 5, 1989, game tied 1-1, Will, after fouling OFF – Williams best stuff, lined a screamer up the middle to score two runs. Poor Mitch was taken OUT and sat in the dugout with a towel hiding his face. Weak. Weak and Weaker.

*Playing for the Phills in the 93 WS, Williams was pitching in the 8th in game 4 when the Jays scored 6 times, winning 15/14. Philly fans in the *spirit of booing Santa Claus, sent death threats to Williams.*

*And then classically in Game 6 Williams, with the lead, gave up a three run tater to Joe Carter whose home run trot was a classic for all ages.

Plain and Simple, Williams is a Mental Midget and always WAS.

@ walt kovacs says: January 13th, 2012 at 12:07 am HE DIDN’T WANT TO BE A DODGER!
++++++++ Classic ++++++++++++++++++

@JD4SF: I can’t believe I missed the Bochy-Small Ball quote the first time 🙁

Lefty-al oha: I think the former MLB prototypical three hole hitter WAY prior to the PED era was more succinct in the so called Golden Age of Baseball. Those players had their classic-type hitter’s way back then.

It has evolved a lot to include this phrase: “Our best hitter should hit third” – But then you have to wrap ones head around the definition of what our “best hitter” means and clearly it is different from Team to Team.

Some Clubs include in the above definition this: “Our best hitter needs to hit in the first inning”. Okay – but that gets skewed a lot again due to individual interpretation.

*Alou wanted to hit #25 third but with two out and nobody on, #25 got IBB 99.99% of the time. When Barry hit fourth and the G’s went down 1-2-3 in the first, Barry was left in the on deck circle…

Supposedly, once the lineup turns over (hopefully) nobody is hitting in their original spot … Over 162 games if WE picked 1-8 out of a hat, there is no real data saying that they would fail….

I like your LU. I wonder, given the ability of Cabrera to make contact and hit aginst LHP or RHP, if this isn’t one of those rare times it would make sense to bat a guy like Crawford 9th.

ClutchUp

Keep’n It Real says: January 13th, 2012 at 11:34 am

*Point well taken = Will vs. the Ripper. Totally understand. Thought the dual – headed suggestion TO the Giants Brain Trusts might be of some use. Heard from Stacy Slaughter that “they” thought the IDEA was “interesting” but she reminded me that all and any G’s jerseys be it NY or SF – were guys in the Hall.

It did make me smile when I saw that Mathewson and McGraw were both retired and there were NO numbers on their cloth back then 😉

Some may laugh, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the G’s retiring Gaylord’s Number 🙁 – but I have come to embrace what he did in SF/MLB.

It gives me chills that every MLB club retired #42. Now there is an HONOR.

al oha

This sentimentality thing for players who contributed to the 2010 WS run, is one of the things bogging this Organization down. LAST YEAR was the obligatory ode to making a run with THAT Team. Major fail, in my estimation.

Isn’t possible to salute what these guys meant to THAT Team, the Bay Area, and to the Giants Nation as a whole, AND move on to a better future with younger players, who actually DESERVE the chance? And without costing the Organization, Money, Losses on their Record, and Blocking Younger more useful Players?

Just say NO to Whiteside, Ross, and whoever else cannot perform on a consistent basis. But, you can say YES in other ways besides on the Field, such as Pat Burrell in the dugout in another capacity.

ClutchUp

al oha says: January 13th, 2012 at 9:08 am Really? I have even eliminated him totally from my hard drive and yet, I still see him.

al oha: Stern knows what “thou thinks of him”. The Stern Curse. Stern is a NO Saints fan 🙁

ClutchUp

Foothills Ryan says: January 12th, 2012 at 8:10 pm Clutch,I think this is the default opening day lineup and rotation set:

* I like that lineup, however I can see moving 28 to the three hole. Just a hunch.

* I am going to remind myself that very little that happens in ST has anything to DO with the regular season, thus even though it is possible, I doubt that Belt outhitting/out-playing any one person DURING SP is going to matter over 162.

* Bochy “reminded” his “guys” about the pitfalls of being WS Champs. The G’s and Aubrey hit the cover off the ball in 2011 ST and yet Murphy’s Law + Random Awkward Day to Day Roster-Lineup Management = 2011 end result.

* Had 2011 been a Semi-Post Season Success with second round elimination = our future would NOT have been as bright as it is currently for 2012-13-14.

I’ve often thought that batting a position player 9th, as opposed to the usual Pitcher, made sense.

When Torres was struggling last year, seems to me that moving him to 9th would, in essence, keep him like a leadoff hitter except for the 1st inning AND give him one less At Bat that he didn’t deserve. You still keep his good Defense in the Lineup and Speed on the bases.

Batting Crawford 9th presents some different problems because he is a totally different type hitter than Torres. 1st he doesn’t have the speed to justify the move, although he takes walks and gets on base. He would definitely see better pitches with the top of the lineup directly behind him instead of the Pitcher, it’s harder to hit 8th. But, whoever is batting 7th, Nate?, would not see as many good pitches and that may be a worse tradeoff, not to mention Crawford with a better chance of driving in the 5th, 6th, 7th batters who did get on base.

I believe Crawford will come around with the bat, or at least better than some are expecting. He supposedly changed his stance and approach while in the Arizona Fall League and was hitting the ball more consistently. As long as he plays a solid SS and keeps improving at the plate, I’ll take him in the lineup over most alternatives.

ClutchUp

al oha says: January 12th, 2012 at 11:23 pm Can you do what DePodesta did for Billy Beane? I wonder if Paul DePodesta like being played by Jonah Hill.

al oha: DePodesta was so appalled he made the powers to be NOT USE his first/last name = thus Peter Brand…

Anti-Lasorda

Am I the only guy who thinks the Moneyball movie was one final F-U from Billy to Paul? One final, It was all me, I wear the pants, get portrayed by Brad Pitt and your geeky Harvard over-educated East Coast butt can get played by a fat Jonah Hill and kiss my bootie!!?!? Could Billy be trying to sen d a message about what happens to people that leave the regime and then bad mouth it after the fact?

since I don’t subscribe to the ‘power of prayer’ thesis of baseball ability, my point was to give the Crawford we know the greatest opportunity to be useful. If he makes that transition from sow’s ear to silk purse at the plate, nobody would be happier than me. IMO, if he can’t make some headway against MLB pitching, it will start to effect his defense, which the Giants simply cannot allow. So anything to add 50 points to his OBP would be a godsend for young Brandon. By the way, he’s got adequate speed, not great mind you, but good enough.

ClutchUp

Dinero says: January 12th, 2012 at 8:57 pm The lineup question is a good one too. If it were me, Pablo would get most of his ABs from the three spot, with Posey hitting cleanup. I think Pablo is going to be the best hitter on the club in ’12…I want him getting as many ABs as possible.

*Dinero: You could be correct, but IMO, we need to see the proof in the pudding (bad analogy for PSando). All the side work, cage work, back field work Pablo has so diligently done regarding the strike zone needs to transfer INTO the games vs. Opposing Pitching Staffs’ Mostly at ST everyone that is throwing to him – “works for the Giants”. Granted when they move into live Bull Pens – G’s pitchers will be throwing their full repertoire of “bullets”.

*This is want I want: Pablo has a hitting zone area that has strengths and weaknesses imbedded in it. Forget what the Umpires zone is until there are two strikes and hit ONE pitch in ONE area with less than two strikes. Show the other team that you won’t leave your ONE SPOT zone (al oha). Show it SO MUCH that you take a called strike three occasionally. The intentional opposing pitchers pitch in the dirt needs to be taken (not easy for Pablo) as well as the intended pitch in Pablo’s eyes. But the Thigh-Below and the Chest-High Pitch is right in Pablo’s wheel house 😉

*I remember when Pablo listened to Beltran, Pablo had multiple games while batting Lhanded, where he lined the two strike pitch FAIR down the LF line.

2012 ST Pablo will have Barry25, Will22 and JT6 to mentally share with him their respective pearls of wisdom regarding “hitting to the count”.

you also raise the question indirectly, what did Beane have against Art Howe.

ClutchUp

*What I Want Geesh 🙁

al oha

CU,

I, too, share your expectations of seeing Brandon Belt develop into the star 1B of the Giants for a long time. Potentially, he has all the tools to propel this Team, along with the other “Keepers”, into a very bright future. His being left-handed, 6’5″ with a long reach, his adeptness of fielding grounders and scooping balls in the dirt, his throwing, make him an A++ Defensive First Baseman. His decent speed, excellent baserunning instincts, are a underappreciated asset. His power potential is encouraging. I hope he will become a workout fanatic, build his strength, and fulfill that potential (talk to him, Barry). He has shown in he minors and in Winter League, that he can hit for Average and make consistent contact. He is already patient at the plate, sometimes too patient. He is still learning. I believe he WILL get there.

He IS a Keeper. And ultimately could be another quintessential 3rd batter in the lineup. I like his chances.

ClutchUp

Smiling he says, Channel your REALLY don’t like Crawford do you? 😉
(sow’s ear to silk purse at the plate, nobody would be happier than me)

Your charts will show you that OzSmith, Templeton, OVisquel and many other gifted glove-men – had rough offensive beginnings – yet it never affected their D.

Keep’n It Real

re: Money Ball

Call me stubborn, but I am refusing to watch that film and I have already stayed away from the book.

It’s like they’re placing Billy Beane on this pedestal and he didn’t win anything. Did he create a baseball recipe that revolutionized things in a way Bill Walsh revolutionized football with the West Coast offense? Uh, no…

Then to have (by all accounts) a good guy like Art Howe having to defend himself against the way he was portrayed in the film…is enough for me to ignore it for good.

My good friend bought the DVD and said, “It’s been nominated for X amount of Golden Globes!”. So what! The guy is nothing but a baseball player commodity trader at this point.

Anti-Lasorda

Don’t forget Belanger, Concepcion, Aparicio, we could go on….

Foothills Ryan

ClutchUp says:
January 13th, 2012 at 10:58 am
…

nice post CU.

This part: ” A cautionary tale though as I have said before: BB9 will have games where he will hit 2-3 HR’s in one game (on the road) and have 7-10 RBI’s and weeks where he goes 14/27 and then on occasion he will go into certain series and not match up with certain SP and seemingly look lost at the plate. It will NOT look like it did last year though…”

-that sounds like any hitter getting hot and getting cold. The thing about Belt is that if does have an 0-for stretch, he will have drawn BB’s in the process. And there lies his value. When his swing is out of sorts, his eye will get him on base. These are rare hitters. That’s why he is rated so highly because of his minor league BB%. http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=10264&position=1B/OF

Stickman followed you with a nice optimistic post. Yes, more runs in 2012. It is a new Year !

al oha

cc,

I agree re: young Brandon Crawford.

I was a high school SS and leadoff hitter, and can attest that your fielding can affect your hitting and vice versa, especially if you always expect the very best out of yourself. It is very hard to let go of it, if you make a rare mistake. There is so much more constant pressure on the position of SS than most other positions on the field, at least there was from my vantage point and I’ve played every position on the field.

Playing MLB SS is a whole other ballgame. The speed and power that these guys have is awesome. Crawford makes difficult plays at SS look easy. Some say he didn’t always make the routine plays. I didn’t see that. Or maybe it was all relative to some of the bone-headed mistakes and lack of range from other Giant SS’s since Omar the Gaslamp Mac Daddy.

al oha

I’ll take Barry Larkin as my model of a great SS. He could do it all and also would make for a good 3rd batter.

I once dated a cheerleader and it cured me forever on cheerleading. I look at what young Brandon has done at the plate and tell it like it is. I think I’d hold off a bit on the comparisons until some of the ‘collar counties ballots’ are counted. I have great hopes for Brandon, but given my fractious nature, refuse to make an emotional investment in a .185 hitter, no matter his glove or potential. I suspect we’ve both seen kids, lots of them, over the years with gloves like that who just couldn’t make it over the next hump at a higher level at the plate. I don’t ask a whole lot, just hit .240 with a .300 OBP.

ClutchUp

Anti-Lasorda says: January 13th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Nope, you are spot on and so is Chanel regarding Howe played by Hoffman. PhilSeymore can pull off the Father Brendan Flynn, Pirate Radio (Count), and his made for Truman Capote rolls and others but truly Beane had Bennett Miller’s ear, eyes, nose and throat on who to cast in this liberal potrayal of Michal Lewis’ book.

IMO, Grady Fuson looked Like Grady Fuson (Ken Medlock) and almost ALL of those scouts in the ROOM were spot on, especially the ones with more hair coming out of their ears than on the top of their head.

I am sure Beane also had something to do with Robin Wright portraying his Ex as well as the goofy portrayal of her husband Spike Jonze (Adam Spiegel)

Anti nailed it. Beane’s still bitter not going to Boston, and I thought Rex Reed was dead, and now know that he really is because he gaily gave the movie several thumbs UP.

Anti-Lasorda

On Moneyball, Beane should get credit for the execution from 1998 – 2006, but the concept of Moneyball is one Sandy Alderson who hired both Billy and Paul back in 1996 after Schott and Hoffman literally ordered the destruction of the franchise that had so much success….

Purdy wrote his piece ripping the city of Oakland and praising San Jose for stepping-up but he so quickly forgets that the city has been through 3 cash grabbing ownership groups since their last World Series and ruined thier park after getting run through the wringer by “the Godfather” himself.

Bringing the Raiders back ruined that park past the remodel stage, and now it should have everything but Mt. Davis imploded and rebuilt to match the centerfield abombination in a Football use only stadium…..

The kicker is if you watched the Mark Davis presser on after he gleefully fired Hue, he dropped BIGTIME hints he’s headed back to LA-LA land…..

Talk about getting the Davis treatment….. ruined two franchises on his way out the door….

al oha

“gaily”? lol, haven’t heard that word in awhile. P.I., I suppose is the reason.

if I were to pick a comparable for young Crawford now, the closest I could come might be a young Robin Yount with the Brewers. He struggled in the early 70’s, but eventually really put it together.

al oha

We should be so lucky.

Robin Yount was a good baseball player with surprising power.

ClutchUp

@ David Stern aka al oha 😉

Crawford: Okay, granted, but his UCLA days were stellar and even though he grew up in Menlo Park the fam. moved and he played at Foothill high in Pleasanton for a very fundamental coach.

Most all young espn highlight type guys fit your definition of being good in the whole and messing up the routine play. Starlin Castro is the poster boy of that description.

Gary Brown (Joe Ritzo interview possibly) said Crawford (now known as aka Crawls) is pretty basic, solid, fundamental. Hopefully he seizes the moment and mentally relaxes otherwise like YOU said SS’s do take their at bats out to short. (There is a classic You tube of Starlin Castro practicing his swing at SS with his back turned to home plate; Rumors said Quade almost ran out to SS)

The fact that CRAWLS married Jalynne (eye chart) Dantzscher in Kona should score him a few malasada’s or a couple of Umbrella drinks…

the reason to choose Yount is a small glimmer of hope and optimism at the trails end. Yount has always been a secret crush of mine. Besides after Ozzie, common, these are cartoon comparables.

ClutchUp

CC: Here Here!

al oha

cc,

Yount’s rise coincided with the Brewer’s rise to prominence. Chicken or Egg theory aside, he did seem to get better with the years. Paul Molitor and Cecil Cooper contributed as well.

Interesting to see that ex-Giant Harvey Kuenn was the Mgr. who took them to the WS. He did this after having one of his legs amputated a couple of years before.

In 1982, Kuenn managed the Milwaukee Brewers to their only World Series appearance to date after taking over the team in mid-season. He was selected by the Associated Press as the AL Manager of the Year, after taking the Brewers in June from a 23-24 start to the AL East title with a 95-67 record. Milwaukee then won the AL pennant after rallying from a 2-0 deficit and beating the California Angels in the best-of-five American League Championship Series. They ultimately lost the 1982 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.

Yeah those same ’82 Cardinals illustrated the power of small ball by only hitting 67 HR and still winning a 100+ games.

Lefty

OK, I’m going against the grain here, but I loved “Moneyball.” I saw the movie first and then went back and read the book. (And OK, maybe I was a bit mesmerized by the happy combination of Brad Pitt + baseball: How can a gal go wrong? It’s like George Clooney and Hawaii–“The Descendants.”)

I enjoyed the movie a lot, but I thought the book was just great. The “Art Howe treatment” was more particular than the movie to the book, IMO–if anything, the author suggests that Howe got a lot of credit for “genius” moves that were in fact the work of Billy/Paul. Philip Seymour Hoffman is a fine actor, but I can appreciate what Art didn’t take his casting as a compliment!

Both the book and the movie were entertainment, not science, and very well done, at that. The author is a really good writer, and then you put Aaron Sorkin in to write the screenplay, and off you go.

Now that the movie’s out on DVD, I’ll probably watch it again.

Lefty

Sorry for the typos, I’m multitasking (getting ready to fly to LA tonight):

The “Art Howe treatment” was more particular TO the movie THAN to the book, IMO–if anything, the author suggests that Howe got a lot of credit for “genius” moves that were in fact the work of Billy/Paul. Philip Seymour Hoffman is a fine actor, but I can appreciate WHY Art didn’t take his casting as a compliment!

al oha

As a kid, I saw a classic Koufax/Marichal pitcher’s duel from behind the plate box seats.

The Dodgers took the lead 1-0 and then the Giants tied the score 1-1 on back to back doubles by Cap Peterson and Harvey Kuenn. It remained tied and Koufax and Marichal were not going to give in AND let their managers take them out of the game. With one out in the bottom of the 9th, Juan won his own game with a HR pulled into the left field seats.

Years later, decades really, I talked to Marichal after the last Giants’ game at Candlestick Park. As he was signing my Commemorative Ball, I told him that I’d remembered THAT game as a kid. His face lit up and said, “Hey, I REMEMBER THAT GAME”, in his Dominican accent. He said it was 1964 or 1965.

Loved that guy for a long time ………….. (I just wrote gaily).

ClutchUp

Harvey Kuenn was so easy to like as a SF Giant with his #7 on his uniform. My uncle somehow bumped into Harvey at the El Rancho Inn loacated in Millbrae Ca (?) and convinced him to change locals to the Hillsdale Inn in San Mateo. As a kid I always noticed either him smoking 24/7 or having biggest wad of tobacco in his mouth but that was normal back then.

Speaking of Harvey having the one leg situation I just read this in the SF Chronicle this morning….

A Coach with a connection to Jim Harbaugh…Coach Speckman was born with No Hands…

Either your kids are rolling their eyes or former, MIA, poster hibcbcbc is applauding somewhere in Molokai or perhaps Brisbane Calif, former home of Raymond Burr and currently a Condo residence of Dusty Baker…whenever he’s around riding his motorcycle…

The Rangers, as a result of coming close the last two years, are going for it, to the point of overkill and taking no chances. Sadly, for as much money as you can spend (does Bush still own shares?), it doesn’t guarantee them anything.

I wonder how often Nelson Cruz thinks about the fly ball that got over his head? Just a teensy bit more effort and all the Rangers are wearing different Rings today.

al oha

I have a 3-part joke that starts with the usual and I made up the 3rd:

What do you call a woman with only one left leg and one left arm?
EILEEN

What do you call an Asian woman with only one left leg and one left arm?
IRENE

What do you call a woman with only one right leg and one right arm?

al oha

ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!

JD4SF

stickman says:
January 13th, 2012 at 11:03 am
152..
Shocker, surprise of the league this season? Giants offense. For years it has been derided, denigrated and even despised. This go-round it looks to be different ~ by a long margin
======================

Yep. Well said!

The investment in Pagan and MCabrera has some folks still scratching their heads, but they fit very well into the new “more small ball” strategy that should bring in more runs and make us VERY competitiive in 2012!

ClutchUp

So here is going to be my 2012 rationale regarding a handful of fans but obviously NOT the majority of fans, who will watch the Giants win or lose games or worse comment that the game is LOST in the B4th because we are losing 2-1, and almost everyone including the man in the moon sucks, Bochy needs to be fired, Sabean is a “Lunatic” and whatever happened to Bow Tie?

Although I will hopefully be able to tell whether the G’s got BEAT or did we LOSE to the other team, others will “flame” into even greater spiritual JoBu knowledge that I will not be able to process.

My fan-love (he said gaily) will reside in whether they get “it” or have “it” as fans to be frustrated appropriately or will they just vent by saying _____ or _______ is ‘no good’ or a bad manager or “where the heck is Zack Wheeler.

My precursor Friday the 13th logic will include them answering this question. After being in attendance at Oracle the other night and watching the Miami Heat lose in OT and again in LA vs. The Clippers – I would hypothetically if allowed choose Dwayne Wade over LeBron if starting a team from scratch (excluding age and injuries) having those two to choose from and if allowed a Non-Heat player, would choose Kobe over LeBron. (MJ-23 if I had a LifeLine to Use)

But sitting with some friends watching the Heat and Spoelstra “lose it” along with LeBron constantly complaining, I found said friends saying “no way dude”, it’s L-James all the way… Thus in my opinion they don’t get it.

Reminded me of sitting next to fans when Joe Montana threw an INT, and they bellowed, “Why did he do that”. Did not matter that Freddy Solomon fell down running his route, they still wanted to argue…

Anti-Lasorda @ 1254pm – I hope I am not repeating myself, but the Raiders and Mark Davis have 2 choices:

1> Share a stadium with the 49ers
2> Move somewhere, like LA

Oakland has so many issues…building a stadium for any of the 3 teams currently there is ridiculous. It’s not like SF or SD (at least for baseball), where people can hang out and go to places to eat. The Niners will have a similar experience when they move to Santa Clara.

ClutchUp @ 107pm:

Based upon your many comments about Giants players wives, I get the feeling you would be at the front of the line for a new SGA…a set trading cards with the Giants wives. I don’t dare to ask what you want printed on the back of their cards (ha ha).

CU, I can think of no place better to break down barriers and expose you to the mysteries of Sabrmetrics than at Spring Traing in AZ. Maybe Foothills can go along as your guru and help.

All kidding aside, “Society for American Baseball Research and the first annual SABR Analytics Conference, will take place in Mesa, Arizona from March 15th through the 17th”, a rare opportunity to go toward the light.

LOL! Actually Mrs. Huff (Baubi) is nicer looking than some of her pictures indicate. The ones from the world series were only about a month after her baby and she was still a bit “puffy”. another strange one pops up a lot with her wearing an odd hat holding her oldest, Jayce. If you google Baubi & Maxim there are a couple of more interesting ones. Having seen her on numerous occasions in person, she’s a pretty lady.

Lefty

Yeah, now that Nate, Crawls, Runzler, and even Mr. Eligible (Zito) have tied the knot, I don’t think there are many single Giants anymore–Lincecum, of course. Wilson isn’t married, but I saw pix of him with a girlfriend (smart, beautiful, and athletic). Oh, and of course Sandoval is divorced.

Other single guys?–Manny Burriss, maybe? Don’t know about the newbies, either (Melky & Angel).

It’s kind of amazing how young most of these guys get married. It goes way against societal trends (the average American guy now doesn’t marry until nearly 30).

But the really odd thing is that the vast proportion of the wives are blonde (and that includes Mrs. Bochy and Mrs. Sabean). I swear it must be 90%. Every new wedding photo is with a blonde bride. It’s GOT to be way more than the actual proportion of blondes in society.

Now, I’m aware that, ahem, “anyone can be blonde,” but still. Nicole Vogelsong is an exception, of course.

as we’ve intimated many times here without quite saying, most baseball players are big kids in a man suit.

primetimedonna

Lefty

Not sure, but it sounds like channel is saying most ballplayers are big kids wanting to marry Barbie???? ;>)

ClutchUp

Channel:
It started because of a former poster using hibcbcbc who took on all of the posters and all things SF Giants…and let’s “just say” Bapah busted him big time one time with one of the most hysterical retorts I have ever read…

It then was exacerbated by a 90 year old neighbor of mine who joyfully told me a story last summer. This 90 year old was a tad crusty and had been an Iron Worker in SF.

He said these two nice boys bought the house next to him and one day one of the boys came over to introduce himself. As he was introducing himself, he said Mr. Smith I just want you to know that I am GAY.

Here is where the fun began. Smitty says Nice to Meet you but you’re not Gay. Pedro says, Yes I am and they go back and forth. Smitty says you are (you happen to be) homosexual.

Smitty wasn’t homophobic by the way – he just took exception that his joy for the word gay had been in Smitty’s words “basterized”.

Smitty and his ‘bride’ loved the old Flintstones theme song and he took exception to the PC versus PI – use of words that to him now meant something different.

Smitty died two months ago but he lived his life on his own terms and Smitty had a “gay old time”.

Lefty

OK, I actually found a site called Girls Love Giants that has a “status report–single, taken, married?” It’s a few months out of date, but you get the idea:

Several of the single guys (J. Sanchez, Ford, and Burrell)–all gone now. Pretty slim pickings for the ladies…

Just a quick look on the Internet confirms that Burriss, Melky, and Angel are all married. The only one I couldn’t find out about either way is Guillermo Mota (apparently no one cares very much).

Anti-Lasorda

Feel better Lefty, Mrs. Sanchez isn’t Barbie either…..

ClutchUp

Lefty says: January 13th, 2012 at 3:22 pm

The current (newer) Mrs. Sabean is blonde, the former is Brunette.
Mom of the “first” 4 Sabean boys is now dating a man named Brian.

Can’t win sometimes 😉

Wow, though BOYS sure are in GM Sabeans genes as he and Amanda now have another Boy. That is 6 Sabean Boys going forward.

I’m a brunette-guy and love the Island-Girl “look”.

Every younger blonde I knew in College always thought that ambience was reaching up and turning off the dome light in the car….

Lefty

PTD,

LOL! Some of them LOOK like Barbie! That’s hilarious!

So my hubbs, Mr. Lefty, is up for a new position that pays more. But it’s in upper-management, and he’s not incredibly enthusiastic about this. So I told him, “Look, Nicole Vogelsong’s husband just signed a contract for over $8 million dollars, so shut up and provide for me like Ryan does for her.”

Now some of you men in the “Hot Wives Fan Club” might retort that if I looked like Nicole Vogelsong, maybe I’d have a husband that makes $8 million, too. So I assure you that I look JUST like Nicole. We could be twins!* You can check my gravatar if you don’t believe me. (Oh, wait–that’s Tim Lincecum, isn’t it? NVM. My bad.)

Lefty: The Link above is the slutty version of all Google requests that start with: Does so and so have a girl friend.

Must also be the lonely hearts version because this is where the girls dish and dump on anything that is not agreeable to them. One of them even tried saying that BC35’s girl friend/wife was not attractive.

And to that I say, hmmm…. a 5’3 gorgeous gymnist … and a twin at that … Come on, Down girls…

primetimedonna

Lefty

What a coincidence! I look just like Nicole Vogelsong (‘s Mother)!

And I even used to be brunette!! ;>) (Is salt and pepper an actually recognized hair color?)

Lefty

PTD,

Maybe we’re related! 🙂

I used to be brunette, too. I get blonder as I age. It’s the darndest thing. A medical miracle, even.

al oha

Ok, now you are walking a fine line of blog topic political correctness, lol.

Right up my alley.

And Lefty, I agree, Nicole Vogelsong IS exceptional, imho.

Lefty

Yes, you can tell there isn’t enough baseball news when we’re going so far down THIS path!

primetimedonna

Lefty

Guess we should both compliment Al on his exquisite taste in women??

I know what you mean about hair getting blonder as one ages…..it’s a mystery!

Hummmmm also wondering if there is an correlation between the fact that Nicole so far appears to be the most articulate and she is one of the few brunettes…………

Oh Heck here ya go. Even Mama-Bears get to vote although the inventory is not as lucrative as it is for us Papa Bears….and note in advance “all minds out of the gutter” … Please as some of these could be our children/grandchildren = 😉

The Left-Coast Front Office of course had to make this GROUP politically correct thus the three TOKEN 😉 men in the group.

I agree, except it’s the it’s the Haloti Ngata show with the Ravens. IMO, he’s the best player in the NFL. He personally extend Ray Lewis career by 5 + years, by Lewis on admission. An amazing football player.

al oha

cc,

Reading one of the comments under the “Starbucks forbids blonde jokes” article made me laugh out loud. This guy said;

“Reminds me of the directive sent by McDonalds to employees about 20 years ago vis Ronald McDonald. It advised employees that the dignity of Ronald was taken very seriously and included the phrase ( I kid you not) “The Clown is not a buffoon…”

Anti-Lasorda

I wonder what they think about Lois and Peter Griffin’s fantasy with Grimace?

Keep’n It Real

Lefty @ 340pm –

Thanks for the hysterical laugh you gave me with the “Look, Nicole Vogelsong’s husband just signed a contract for over $8 million dollars, so shut up and provide for me like Ryan does for her.” Priceless 🙂

ClutchUp @ 434pm –

The 49ers/Saints game reminds me of the AFC Finals in 1980/81 between the Raiders and the record-breaking San Diego Chargers.

The Raiders beat them by running the ball and controlling the clock, so Dan Fouts couldn’t get on the field. Fouts was quoted as saying how frustrating it was to be sitting on the sidelines…unable to get back on the field to score points…and watching the clock run out.

The 49ers Defense is better up front than that Raiders Team and I believe they will make the pocket very uncomfortable for Brees. It was said on the radio just today that something was picked up how they tricked Suh. I also think teh 49ers have the ability to control the clock *and* Harbaugh has had 2 weeks to through some good tweaks into the offensive game plan.

Last thing. Weeks ago, Trent Dilfer said that Tom Jackson told him that you could find out who the top physical teams are by checking the injury report of the teams they played in the following week (out, doubtful, questionable). He said…right in front of Tom Jackson…that he’s been doing it and the 49ers are the top physical team. Jackson smiled and nodded his head “yes”.

Ever since I saw that, I have been noticing how key players on the opposing teams have been leaving during the game against the 49ers. Remember how Marshawn Lynch was doing so well, then gone? Anyway…something to consider because I would argue the 49ers played tougher teams (not a tougher record of teams) this year, than the Saints.

I don’t know if any of you folks enjoy Calvin Trillin, but this is funny.

…

HA!
You’re alright CC.

Foothills Ryan

I thought today’s Yankees + Mariners’ activities were pretty exciting. The Yankees were like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragons this offseason. That would be crazy if they made a move for Lincecum by throwing 2 of their top prospects at Sabean.

Just crazy I tell you!

But totally possible.

al oha

During one Academy Awards Telecast, they had just returned from a commercial break, where Steve Martin was the MC. The crowd was laughing and so was Steve. The television audience was clueless as to what everyone was laughing at.

I read later, that during the break, Steve said to the star-studded audience, “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, sounds like parlor games that Siegfried and Roy play while on vacation!”

Foothills Ryan

Edit:

That would be crazy if the Mariners made a move for Lincecum, not the Yankees. The Mariners make more sense because of the whole Seattle thing. Here are some prospects they could dangle in front of Sabean:

They’ve got 3 elite prospect arms at the top. They could dangle any one of those, but most likely Paxton, the B+ of the trio. I don’t think they’d dangle their top SS prospect as they don’t have a fixture there. But maybe down the list there is something to dangle like the #6 guy on that list, Catricala.

Just throwing some worms out there to nibble on….

Foothills Ryan

Al Oha,

LOL!

JD4SF

primetimedonna says:
January 13th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
225..
Lefty

Not sure, but it sounds like channel is saying most ballplayers are big kids wanting to marry Barbie???? ;>)
======

Lefty: I’m with you on Moneyball. I didn’t see it in the theater, and bought the DVD on release day vs. rental because I wanted to see all the extras (most excluded on rentals these days) and I knew I would watch it repeatedly over the next few years.

Anyway, I loved it. Any baseball movie will have a high “like” factor for me, and I thought this one was well done. As far as portrayal of other real people, I don’t think Beane can stray too far away from facts. The backlash would be counterproductive to what he accomplished with the A’s in the early 2000s.

Sure hope we can put together that “EBB Day at AT&T” that we discussed earlier this off-season. One of the most enjoyable things I can imagine to do these days would be to gather with you folks, sip a few adult beverages, and continue the wonderful discussions we have here. Seems every day someone gives us a nugget that enhances my enjoyment and knowledge of this wonderful game.

How many days to pitchers and catchers? Can’t Wait!!

Lefty

KIR & JD,

Glad to be able to entertain(!). We’re not solving the world’s problems on this baseball blog, here, so we might as well have some fun, right?! (Come to think of it, though, there are some good minds on here, and we could probably come up with some good ideas for the world’s problems, too.)

Totalfan: Yes, it would be great to have an ExtraBaggers meetup. This blog has become really fun. Glad to hear you liked “Moneyball,” too.

Walter Guest

We have a warning from the US Embassy about a terrorist threat here in Bangkok.

It looks like Fielder is now asking for a 6 year contract with an opt out like Sabathia had. The $$/year has also declined, but the Rangers still seem the primary target. Josh Hamilton is apparently now becoming expendible. There is definitely something in the water in Dallas, IMO. I wonder how Hamilton and Lincecum would work as teammates?

ClutchUp

totalfan62 says: January 14th, 2012 at 6:58 am

As such a great fan of SF Giants and baseball in general, what did you like about it? Are you comparing it to other great BB movies like Bull Durham, League of their Own, The Natural, For the Love of the Game (there are many GOOD ones I missed) or do you TF62 feel it stands on its own? Michael Lewis wrote an okay book which I read, but the Movie Money Ball is a heinous portrayal (yes I know there are Hollywood Liberties to take into consideration) of a style of baseball attributed to Sandy Alderson. Mulder, Zito, Hudson=never portrayed?
Knuckle-dragger Bradford was one of the main characters as well as Jeremy Giambi? Ron Washington was portrayed a boob-stooge, and if anyone knows (about) Wash, neither is true. The David Justice portrayal was legit.

All one should really know is that Art Howe is a good Coach/Mgr and even a better person. He and Mrs. Howe walked out. Liberties-Bibberties, if Howe never challenged Beane to fire him like in the movie why insert that into the movie.

The only realistic item was HOW the movie and real part of the story crashed to toast at the end after “the loss”. IMO based on the book they could have made a much better movie, but this was all about Beane – Beane and Beane, otherwise Justin Timberlake or Rob Lowe would have portrayed the Mr. Beane. 😉

I better stop, maybe Lefty and Total are “joshing” …. Pulling our leg….

Nate’sFanMom

So the Yanks traded their top prospect Montero for Seattle’s Pineda.

That must mean they gave up on the dea of Cain being available, which is one of the biggest NY delusions of all time.

Some imbecile fan on the NY Daily News comments section said that Montero should have gotten them King Felix or Timmy. Is that ridiculous or what?

It must be by inheritance, makes you wonder if LaRussa is maybe Selig’s heir apparent, to be.

“As for his future, La Russa ruled out a front-office position with the Cardinals but admitted he has met with commissioner Bud Selig. La Russa has been rumored to be a candidate to replace Joe Torre, who recently resigned as Major League Baseball’s vice-president of on-field operations. “To be determined,” La Russa said, according to the Post-Dispatch.”

The Indians among others are still looking for a 1B. Huff’s a good guy, but I’d rather have Oswalt if the G’s could dump Huffy’s salary.

Thoughts?

ClutchUp

al oha says: January 13th, 2012 at 5:15 pm “Reminds me of the directive sent by McDonalds to employees about 20 years ago vis Ronald McDonald. It advised employees that the dignity of Ronald was taken very seriously and included the phrase ( I kid you not) “The Clown is not a buffoon…”

* I might still have “my” paperwork. One summer my buddy and I were hired at “Mac-in-the-Back”. I wore a hat that said “Lot and Lobby”. My boss came out to me two weeks into my ‘career’ and said I had to cut my hair, and when I failed to follow the directive …

My buddy Chris was the more polished … and worked the cash register. I think he owns one of the franchises now… 🙁

ClutchUp

Nate’sFanMom says: January 14th, 2012 at 10:54 am Roy Oswalt is looking for a one-year, $8 mil contract.The Indians among others are still looking for a 1B. Huff’s a good guy, but I’d rather have Oswalt if the G’s could dump Huffy’s salary. Thoughts?

— I just busted out a Hail Mary to see if your transaction can be worked out. Tomorrow I will hit the candles at church at St. Charles.

—Now we need PTDonna to agree 😉

ClutchUp

Keep’n It Real says: January 13th, 2012 at 6:21 pm

* I feel a tad better now since a do believe intangibles matter. My friend works in broadcasting and he called me to give me an update on the condition of the field … and in the background was Huey Lewis and the News – “working on” the National Anthem.

* I remember how close Joe Montana and Dwight Clark are to Huey and having “them” belt out the National Anthem means that there will not be any Bogus renditions witnessed at other venues (Rosanne Barr, Carl Lewis, Whitney Houston/ 10 minutes)

totalfan62

@ Clutch, re Moneyball: I just enjoyed watching a baseball movie. It’s nowhere near the elite level BB movies represented by Field of Dreams, The Natural, Bull Durham and many others (my wife and I recently watched For the Love of the Game first time in 8+ yrs, great movie).

No doubt there’s some Beane behind the scenes, and Hollywood definitely takes some liberties (as they always do), but I still enjoyed it. I guess when it comes to movies I’m easy to please.

ClutchUp

channelclemente says: January 13th, 2012 at 4:45 pm CU,I agree, except it’s the it’s the Haloti Ngata show with the Ravens. IMO, he’s the best player in the NFL. He personally extend Ray Lewis career by 5 + years, by Lewis on admission. An amazing football player.

* Good knowlege on Ngata, yet outwardly it is still RL’s “show/team”…

al oha

Who dat think they’re gonna beat dem Saints?

I DO!

Go NINERS!

ClutchUp

al oha:

Dammit and Darn-it; Good thing OTHERS are seeing Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana because here down the Peninsula in San Carlos I am still staring at your David Stern Avatar…. [sigh]

I would flip Huff for Ostwald in a NY minute and buy his plane ticket out of town to boot. Most folks are down on Ostwald because of a ‘lingering’ back problem. But, if you look at his performance after he returned at season’s end, he pitched to his historical numbers. If there is another ‘Vogelsong’ out there, it’s Ostwald. Let’s see, Zito sits in the bullpen with Ostwald or pitches every turn of the rotation without him, hmmm, that’s a REALLY tough choice.

totalfan62

I think as EBB core posters we have made ourselves kindred spirits in more ways than we know. I woke up this morning thinking about nothing but the Niners, except that there’s always a baseball thread running through my brain.

This morning’s baseball thought was “if the Giants ownership/mgmt was serious about further strengthening our ‘gold standard’ pitching, they would sign Oswalt to a one-year deal for $8-10MM.

Next thing I know, NFM and other EBBs are on it as well. Let’s be honest–the chances of Zito being a reliable #5 are 20% at best. Oswalt would add stability and veteran leadership/mentoring and could be the winning ingredient.

Maybe Oswalt decides to hang around for a year or two more, and we can trade Timmy (if we can’t sign him) for 3-4 top 100 MiLB prospects. The strong, silent, southern born ‘n bred core of Cain, MadBum and Oswalt would indeed be a significant pitching strength.

Then again, that would entail Baer and Sabean stepping up, taking a risk and thinking out of the proverbial box, so not likely to happen.

al oha

There is NO WAY that Sabean and the Giants’ Ownership are gonna approve a one year $8 million on Roy Oswalt.

But, $2 million dollars and a bunch of Incentives that kick in at certain thresholds would be palatable to them.

There is no way Oswalt and his Agent are gonna accept that kind of contract.

So best to move along, nothing to see here.

ClutchUp

Peter McGowan and wife Debby might be able to work something out for
MYchael Urban-Urbs best-est friend Zeets. The 3-4 grandchildren of the McGowan’s surely need a Driver.

Let’s think outside the box:

* Zito hooks up with Ned Colletti and LAD, since his marriage certificate shows an LA residence…

* Zito reconnects with Alyssa Milano and Paris Hilton, grows his moustache back and with his wife Amber’s blessing re-does the movie Wonderland. Phillip Seymor Hoffman auditions for the John Holmes role but does not qualify and Paris shakes her finger back and forth, saying, “Next”…

The success of Wonderland II, allows Zeets to donated the rest of his salary to Strikeouts for Kids. Zeets hands Urban a load of cash for hair plugs, Doc. Rossenelli does the procedure with Rick Barry as wing man.

In a Kumbaya moment the Players Union does not protest Barry’s monetary donations as several “playa’s” are cast as extra’s in Wonderland II. Selig, Torre, La Russa however do not make the cut, however Manny Ramirez, Carl Everett, Carlos Zambrano, Albert Belle, Brett Favre, Mark Chmura are observed filling out applications. Kimberly Bell is seen going into her trailer, now a Blonde.

al oha

Monta Ellis sends out “junk” mail from his cellphone, to keep everyone informed.

He learned to email from Brett Favre.

ClutchUp

totalfan62 says: January 14th, 2012 at 11:06 am

Moneyball = Okay, got it, understood 😉

When time permits check out “Only the Ball was White” @ DVD

SnapShot:
*Satchel Paige often asked his fielders to sit down while he struck out a dangerous hitter…

*Cool Papa Bell was so fast that he could blow out a candle and be in bed before the room got dark…

*Josh Gibson may or may not have hit a ball completely out of Yankee Stadium…

“Chan” Gailey = Gailey is the current head coach of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League.

ClutchUp

CC: Wonder what deep thought process went into the dropping of the word Devil and just sticking with Ray’s?

Did Bud complain? I grew UP with Stanford being called the Indians. The change to the Cardinal made us grim, and then we had to deal with one of the Original Mascot-Girl-Trees being completely drunk from 9a.m. until….

Sonoma State Seawolves formerly a Cossack…. I better quit. I do understand the Native American Indian’s stand, but still…

al oha

One of my favorite old baseball movies that I watched as a kid was:

“It Happens Every Spring”

When an egghead chemistry professor (Ray Milland) stumbles upon a formula for making baseballs resistant to the touch of wood, he sneaks a little onto a pitcher’s glove and for a time has a career throwing from a major league mound.

Me, corny as some may say it was, I always liked ‘Bang the Drum Slowly”.

It happens every spring was on TMC recently, if I recall correctly.

totalfan62

Clutch: the primary reasoning for changing from Devil Rays to RAYS was licensing and merchandising. The bright and upbeat design and colors were more saleable than the previous black/teal theme. I was business mgr for a company that had an MLB merchandise license and that was how MLB presented it to us.

As a man of faith I find it more than a coincidence that the year after they dropped “devil” from their name, they go from perennial last place team to the World Series.

totalfan62

Hey folks: who can direct me to a stats website that will allow me to quickly and easily obtain in-season splits? For example, I’d like to look at Nate’s detailed 2011 stats by month, with the option to lay in specific start/finish dates within different months. I’m sure it’s out there, just don’t know where to go.

there are many, but I find the quickest is the ESPN site. The finish date stuff, you can do, but sometimes it requires a macro on a spreadsheet to get too ‘custom’ in your query. Most of it can be done as easily in your head or with pencil and paper.

Go to Players, drop down to team of choice, and up comes the roster. Key on a player on that roster and up comes his stats. Open the ‘complete splits’ page and there it is for a given year. You can go to different years with the pull down on the top left of the page. There is a lot more on the site, so explore.

For hardcore, all that makes sense is Fangraphs, but their stats and graphics can be a little arcane to some.

al oha

ClutchUp says:
January 14th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
“What Part of the Islands do they film Dog/Bounty Hunter, LOL…”

I don’t know. The nearest Dog Park? Somebody needs to put a leash on that guy and all the fleas hanging on his coat. He’s leaving his personal “calling card” on too many neighborhood lawns.

al oha

What we need here is some old-fashioned, slobber-knocking, HITTING by the Niners today. Ronnie Lott style.

And I mean the Offense, too. The Defense and Special Teams are a given. They gotta make the Saints FEEL their conviction.

You Gotta Want It!
Go NINERS!

al oha

The thing that I fear the most in this game is ………………………………

seeing Donte Whitner covering Jimmy Graham, one-on-one. I trust Vic Fangio saw the Dallas films and will avoid that as much as possible.

Okay, sure no one is here other than possibly my fellow brunette JD4SF! Have had a crazy busy weekend so far!

CU,CC and NFM

Not going to try to disagree with your flipping Oswalt for a certain first baseman talk….I’m taking I think it was KIR’s advice when they said they were going to put a Brad Penny patch on. I’m putting my Huff patch on, and promise not to discuss him here anymore! Now if you can get a trade going that sends him to the Indians with ALL his salary and we get Oswalt even I may have to agree. I may even enjoy being an Indians fan!!! ;>)

Mavo

What a 49er game for the ages today!!! I judge it as the 3rd most exciting Niner game I have watched! First will always be The Catch game and I was lucky enough to be there in 1989 when Joe threw the winning TD in Super Bowl XXIII in Joe Robbie Stadium. Those will always be my top two … but today was totally AMAZING …especially given what adversity Alex Smith has endured up until the Harbaugh era dawned!!

The similarities to the 1981 team are incredible … like that team, this team went 6-10 the prior year and NOBODY expected them to do anything … and both are coached by former Stanford head coaches. The comparisons are stunning!!

Mavo

oh one last thing on the Niners game … I cried like a baby just like Vernon when he caught that winning TD pass!! My illness makes me very emotional … but I think I might have cried even back when healthy!! What a fantastic finish to a classic playoff game! Reminded me of Game 6 of last year’s World Series with all the twists and turns!

JD4SF

primetimedonna says:
January 15th, 2012 at 12:52 am
322..
How bout them Niners!!!!

Okay, sure no one is here other than possibly my fellow brunette JD4SF!
============

How bout them Niners, indeed! 🙂

INTENSE game! I’m not particularly a football fan, but WOW!!!

I’m all for the Niners to be 2012 trend setters for SF pro sports. Go on to win big! Get the region all primed for SF GIANTS to go on to win big!

Lefty

Giants’ connections in 49ers’ win:

(1) Mike Krukow called a game-winning pass to Vernon Davis on Murph & Mac’s show this week.

My opinion, that game was won in the first quarter with the hit on the 2-3 yard line that put the NO running back out of the game and caused the fumble. It ended any fiction in the Saints minds that they could be physically dominant in any facet of that game. The 49ers physically beat the living snot out of the Saints. Just look at those three blocks on Smith’s 4th Quarter scoring run for an illustration of the confidence the 49ers had in the closing minutes. They destroyed the lineman on the seal block at the corner, just destroyed him. That kind of dominance gives the confidence to go for broke and enables the kind of pitch and catch Smith and Davis made with 9 seconds left.

pacman68

So happy for Alex Smith yesterday. Everyone, including me wanted that guys head and fired. He was balls to the wall yesterday and showed a lot of moxie. Never underestimate what a good coach and system can do for your team. Harbaugh is tough as nails and has brought the swagger back to niner football.

@channel, I agree, that hit by Whitner set the tone for the game. Lott is always saying someone needs to deliver a blow in a big game, well that’s exactly what Whitner did. Not only did he keep NO out of the end zone, he caused a turnover and kept them from scoring at all. HUGE play, got the whole team fired up.

Not to mention, he put their best running back out of the game. You never want to see a guy get hurt, but they weren’t the same team without Thomas.

Bapah

Something I thought last year was brought to the front again yesterday. As CC said, that hit was not the turning point, but the indicator, of what that game was going to be. But my first thought in that game, as it was when JH was named head coach, was this… Bill Walsh. This was typical Walsh. Finesse, intellect AND smash mouth football. It hasn’t happened since the 80’s, but AT NO TIME during that football game was I ever worried. I f——g loved it. Never were there football teams like the Walsh teams. Except maybe what we’re going to see under Coach Harbaugh. This team is smart and superb with fundamentals (at last) and they hit so hard that genetic alteration takes place in the “hittee”. Their children will feel it. When BW first arrived, I told everyone who would listen that the 49ers would win a Superbowl in the next 5 years. It took three. Same deal now. OK, back to beisball, been berry, berry good to me.

Keep’n It Real

I think it’s a reflection of the type of game that was, when a Giants baseball blog is filled with replies about the 49ers game. Not a bad thing 🙂

I’m just really happy for Alex Smith. I have been a Raiders fan since the AFL days, but I saw something in Alex when he had Norv Turner as an offensive coordinator. For years I have been telling 49er fans that he’s better than they think and he just needs another coach that actually “gets” what it takes to run an imaginative offense. Then they hire Jim Harbaugh…

It would be great for the city of San Francisco to host next week’s game, but if not…playing in Green Bay and the Super Bowl wouldn’t be bad either.

Nothing like a nice/positive diversion to get us to pitchers and catchers!

I agree, but just a little comment about Walsh, please don’t throw things at me. I agree Walsh perfected the so called ‘west coast offense’, but that offensive scheme begins in 1973-4 with Sid Gilman trying to turn Dan Pastorini and the Houston Oilers into a passing, offensive team. In 1975, I think, Gilman took it to the Chargers and Dan Coryell at San Diego State picked it up. Walsh picked it up from Gilman and it’s history after that. But Gilman trying to devise a passing offense around Dan Pasotorini and Kenny Boroughs was the birth of what has come to be called Walsh’s West Coast Offense.

you know, if Alex Smith reminds me of anyone, it Kenny ‘The Snake’ Stabler in his later years, particularly with the Oilers.

Bapah

Hey CC, no problem. I see Walsh’s legacy as something else entirely. You’re right Gilman was a genius, but Bill was a consummate coach. Nobody made halftime adjustments like his coaches. Nobody was quite as good at recognizing and drafting talent. There were few that could find the right way to attack an opponent like Bill. And motivating a team? Remember the bellhop bit? The west coast offense is irrelevant, he would have used anything that worked. Plus he recognized that the fundamental aspect of knocking your opponent into next week and doing it with finesse and class. This team brings back those memories. I’m back to being a Niner’s fan. The thing is, I also think the Saints are terrific, maybe the best team, on paper, in the NFL. But football is played with the gut and heart and, right now, that’s SF. I just love it!

no one can argue at Walsh’s judgement of talent, field presence, and ability to SEE the football field. He was a genius at his craft.

Foothills Ryan

That was one of the best games I’ve ever seen. I had the feeling that with a minute a half left, Alex Smith would get them at least within field goal range. He inspired confidence. The throw and “grab” was a phenomenal play. A bunch of key runs and plays down the stretch. The heave by Smith as the pocket was collapsing to an in-stride Davis streaking down the left was awesome. Smith does not have the strongest arm, but that was on the money under pressure. He’s becoming adept with touch at that distance. I never thought Young had a big arm, just a heck of a lot of touch from all ranges.

Anyway, I’m glad I was able to fix a breaker in the house that cooked when a rice cooker started to suck amps and cook the line. Had to shut off the main and unstick the old breaker. I’m not an electrician and was getting frustrated. Back on line late in the 3rd quarter and that was all I needed watch an amazing quarter plus of football.

I have to admit, I was nervous as I followed the Saints opening drive on the truck radio going back and forth to the hardware store. Seemed like Brees was surgical early and they were running the ball. When I later found out they didn’t score, I was surprised and assumed a turnover or a missed field goal. After another gap in score reports I found out they were up 17-0. No way! A blow out? Finally one more gap and the Saints were back in the game. I was back on line to watch the conclusion of one hell of a game. And I felt very happy for all of the Niner fans out there. I felt the sincerity of Vernon Davis’ emotions and was touched. It was an awesome game!!

As Bapah said some hits have a ‘genetic’ effect. I remember like it was yesterday Earl Campbell turning around left end and hitting the Ram’s allpro linebacker Isiah Thomas head on and just running through him. Thomas was NEVER the same again.

The Donte Whitner hit WAS huge. Personally it reminded me of the Dan Bunz tackle on Charles Alexander of the Bengals on the 1 yard line after he caught a 3rd down swing pass in Super Bowl XVI.

Foothills: Great work on fixing the breaker 😉

Go Giants, as in New York Football Giants 🙂 vs. the Packers!

Bapah

Hey, has this occurred to anyone yet? Just watching the Ravens out of the corner of my eye, but how about this. Harbowl II? Wouldn’t that be one for the ages? Given my antipathy for Bill Belichick, I think it would be classic. Different results, of course. Let’s start a movement to see the Harbrothers in SB XLVI.

Definitely wouldn’t mind having the g-men at Candlestick, that would be a pretty good matchup for us. There would be something poetic about going to Lambeau and knocking off Rodgers and the Pack though. That would be a monkey off Alex’s back I bet.

I’m conflicted, I took the Giants vs. Ravens in the SB, as a lark. As to dramatic rematches, I had a bellyfull of that with the BCS, what a dog that was. If the 49ers to get their, I’d just as soon watch Brady.

definitely wouldn’t mind going against Tom the Great. To be the best, you have to beat the best. Same reason I wouldn’t mind kicking in the front door and beating the defending champs in their own yard.

A rare ‘peak’ at a Boras contract profile. He uses this binder to pitch his clients. The DMN has Fielder’s and it’s got some interesting clues as to what Boras includes to get normally sane GMs to behave like drunk, college streakers.

More good news from VZL: Gregor Blanco wins league MVP. I’m going to stop worrying so much about the Giants’ thin OF.

I’ll go back to worrying about 2B now. I’m a mom and always have to worry about something!

totalfan62

Wow. Last night I was looking for places to post re great 49ers day. I should have known this blog would morph into Niners!! by all of us. Great comments by all–shows we have a lot of good bay area sports fans here, with love not just for the Giants.

What a game! What a day! One thing I have to share: speaking in football-ese SEC style, one of the Georgia boys said “Vernon Davis is a fully growed up man.” He is, and so are many of his teammates.

GO NINERS!!

totalfan62

Clutch: thanks for the heads up on “Only the Ball Was White”. I think I’ve seen that movie, but I’ll get it for another look.

I have to share this with you: I grew up in Stockton and went to many of the local minor league team’s games (Ports, class A farm team for Baltimore). One of the more colorful players on those teams (early to mid 60s) was a pitcher named Emmanuel (Boojack) Fitzgerald. He was at the end of his “career”, a black pitcher from the Baltimore inner city who got a shot with the O’s.

Boojack’s family played in the Negro Leagues (or so he said), and he shared a ton of stories about the great players. His favorite player was Cool Papa Bell, and he told us all the stories. Boojack had a 12-to-6 curveball that would roll off the table, as it was said then. When he threw it in warmups, he would yell to the catcher “Off the Mahogany!” He said that was a Satchel saying. We loved it.

I’m so glad Baseball chose to honor the Negro Leagues with their own wing in the HOF and inclusion of their best players.

totalfan62

Lefty:

Shouldn’t worry as much as be concerned, but I get what you mean. The Mama Bears are great for our boys! The one I think most needs your love and attention is B-Craw. We all think he has what it takes, and I think his teammates do too. That being said, sending positive vibes to our youngsters is a good thing. I love how you tweet with these kids. It’s gotta be a good thing.

As for 2B, I’m counting on Freddy for 120 games of FSanchez baseball. This is probably his last year, he’d like to go out on top and I think he will stay healthy enough to do that. The other 42 games we should be OK with Font, Burriss and maybe some Pill.

If Freddy’s OK, B-Craw gets it, Panda stays slim and Belt plays 1B, that could be the NL West’s best defensive infield. Yes, lots of ifs, but our pitchers would be down for that big-time.

ClutchUp

Lefty says: January 15th, 2012 at 12:39 pm More good news from VZL: Gregor Blanco wins league MVP. I’m going to stop worrying so much about the Giants’ thin OF.I’ll go back to worrying about 2B now. I’m a mom and always have to worry about something!

Lefty: Although Freddy’s overall long range health is a concern – the actual depth at 2base is less of an overall concern than our Outfield-depth in my opinion.

One of the HUGE reasons that Fontenot’ season spiraled down-word is because guys like Cajun-Mike (although a negative term) are 2nd-tier players. When they take over someones starting role it not only weakens the bench, it thrusts 2nd-tier players into starting roles and takes them out of their respective roles coming off the bench.

If Fontenot is “returned” to his proper role, backing up Freddy, our 2B depth should be okay…

Blanco was a ATL Brave product: They make very few errors on players and their future development … but Gregor is ours now … A guy who LOVES to choke up on the bat without being told … and will find anyway to get to first base 😉 Everything that for example Darren Ford was not. Because you cannot “steal first base” = Ford had no chance.

Anybody remember the overwhelming amount of fans on EBaggs, that were demanding that Bochy and Company insert Ford in to SF’s lineup?

Wow…

ClutchUp

*downward

ClutchUp

totalfan62 says: January 15th, 2012 at 1:08 pm Wow. Last night I was looking for places to post re great 49ers day. I should have known this blog would morph into Niners!! by all of us. “Vernon Davis is a fully growed up man.” GO NINERS!!

Baggs Bloggers are the best. With that comes Friends with Benefits.
No, not that kind (Anti-Lasorda) We could all go over to Cam Inman’s site but we’ve earned the ‘benefit’ of staying right here and doing OUR 49er thing. I tried to begin with OFF TOPIC, but half the time I forget, and besides – it’s not off topic currently.

I hear there is a conserted “wish” or “request” by some 49er officials to take a moment when blurting out Niners-9ers, and saying 49ers. Wonder where that got started, because either way people know who we’re are talking about. After the ASmith to VDavis pass with 9 sec left I received a text from a former flame from TX and she said, Wow, Go 9ers!

According to staff reports there were 19 misdemeanors and one felony and gobs of fans escorted out of the Stick, booted out. The felony was a person selling bogus tickets.

Total62, I once asked a gal from Georgia, whom I met once at the then Concord Pavillion – at a Frankie Beverly and Maze concert, where she ‘ranked’ among her sisters, oldest, middle, youngest. She said her sister that was sitting with her was “the next-one-up-under her. I looked away in amazement … I still love dialects, drawls and anything related.

ClutchUp

TotalFan62-Lefty: Freddy Sanchez…

In order to stay healthy we may see a less acrobatic Freddy. He will still be able to go to his left with CERTAIN classic slides, but he has probably been told that those dives to his right up the middle might put him in jeopardy.

Much of the info regarding the damage to his shoulder was not made totally public but Marty Lurie has a podcast interview on KNBR with Freddy (back when) that was completely revealing…

ClutchUp

I heard that the Ravens won, but suffered an injury to one of there better defensive backs very late in the game ?

I’m a big Freddy fan, and from your lips to God’s ear regarding him staying healthy and in the lineup. When Freddy went down last year, Tiny Mike was on the DL, and we had a six-week black hole of Bill Hall and Tejada playing 2B (and a bit of Burriss). That was bad. If Tiny and Manny stay healthy and in the mix, they should be capable backups. It’s another catastrophic injury to Freddy that concerns me.

Crawford I don’t worry about. He’s a solid defender already and can only get better. And I think his late-season improvement and AFL hitting suggest that he can be a capable enough #8 hitter. He seems like a calm and centered young man, and a new Mrs. around can only help that.

Blanco’s stats in the VZL are impressive, and I really like his walk/K ratio. Nice to get someone who knows how to take a walk because we don’t seem to grow those in our own system!

ClutchUp

Lefty said: I really like his walk/K ratio. Nice to get someone who knows how to take a walk because we don’t seem to grow those in our own system!

* Apparently even Gary Brown has self-stated that he needs to work on “accepting” bases on balls rather than putting every 3-2 pitch in play.

JD4SF: Would LOVE to get ahold of a copy of the directive which was given or will be given to each player and each level regarding SFGiant Offensive Hitting Philosophy/Small Ball/Bunting/Hitting and Running and Hitting by the Situation and By the Count 😉

ClutchUp

Go New York Football Giants!!!

al oha

ClutchUp says:
January 15th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
“Would LOVE to get ahold of a copy of the directive which was given or will be given to each player and each level regarding SFGiant Offensive Hitting Philosophy/Small Ball/Bunting/Hitting and Running and Hitting by the Situation and By the Count”

Information for this Manifest is currently being collected and will be sent to the proper persons, for distribution, from Space in 2015.

Con Mucho Amor, Hensley

Lefty

Lotta sloppiness on both sides so far. The Niners’ ability to force turnovers is looking important here. Nor do I think Rodgers can run like he does against the 49ers’ defense.

Mixed feelings about the game. Rematches scare me a bit, and I bet Eli holds a grudge about his loss to the Niners. An Alex-vs.-Aaron face-off would certainly be a compelling storyline given the draft history. But the 49er Faithful deserve another home game, so go Giants!

ClutchUp

al oha: The Giants’ front office due things in very classy fashion, thus do you wonder if Hensley will return after circling Mars and Venus, or do you thing that since Joe Lefebvre has been named Co-Hitting Coach that BamBoomBam will be re-slotted within the organization.

Neukom apparently has copies of The Giants Way since he authored or helped author it. Rumors said it was reduced to 2-5 page manifesto.

The one I referred to was mentioned by Bochy in the Renel interview which is linked on the SFG’s site.

HAIL MARY full Grace + a LONG Eli TD – Go Giants.

Many fans and VENDORS need another post season game at the glorious STICK (yep, I said glorious)…

ClutchUp

primetimedonna says: January 15th, 2012 at 12:52 am Not going to try to disagree with your flipping Oswalt for a certain first baseman talk…

Huff will be fine in 2012 IMO, so fine that a deal might happen before 2012 is over whether he does poor or does well…

I’m reminded of the words of Tennesse Ernie Ford, “Load 16 tons (of coal) and what do you get, another day older and deeper in debt. St. Peter don’t ya call me ’cause I can’t go, for I owe my soul to the company store” Now chorus.

ClutchUp

Showtime series considering Marlins for season Two.

Couldn’t have happened to a better (sarcastic) Organization.

Go Get ’em Ozzie. They’ll set a new record for “Bleeps”…

ClutchUp

CC:

Garage Sale…looking through OLD OLD 45 records and there it was, 16 Tons….

There is still some Magic left in that much-maligned, old, relic-of-a-stadium, Candlestick Park.

Remember when they called it 3-Com for a while? It could never be anything but the ol’ ‘Stick. Loved that place as a kid growing up in Silicon Valley. Seeing MLB and all the Players of the Glory Years was a priceless privilege. The 49er Dynasty, beginning in 1980 and created by Bill Walsh, taught us the Pride of a Champion, and how to be humble yet supremely confident.

The SF Giants have moved to a different address, but it was their former tenancy, where many of us 1st fell in love with them. They, too, gave us the thrill of a lifetime with their 1st WS Championship.

Today, many of us are big Giants Fans. NY Giants Fans. Because we want the MAGIC of the ‘Stick to rise again and give us that Feeling that is so rare to duplicate. I’ll “settle” for a road game to the Frozen Tundra and a chance to once again prove all pundits wrong.

But, there is a certain “something” about a Bay Area Crowd, energized with dreams of the ultimate, and their interaction with the Players, that inspire each other to achieving Greatness. The Warriors in ’75, the 49ers in the ’80’s, Giants of 2010, you remember that Feeling.

Go Niners! We should all be so fortunate, again.

ClutchUp

Better up the ante of the clubhouse food spread with Bartolo Colon on the A’s Roster….

CC: Wonder how many trips to the DL?
Minimum of two….

ClutchUp

al oha: Also I think they TRIED calling it Monster Park? Some Cable Company that also went under.

Remember the parking lot tower in the Stick Parking lot….haha… doubtful that was ever very useful…

There have been some Twitter jokes about Colon: “Notify the In-N-Out Burger across from the Coliseum”; “Source: Zachary’s opening six new outlets near the ballpark”–I take it Bartolo likes his groceries?

ClutchUp

channelclemente says: January 15th, 2012 at 3:45 pm 365..CU,
can you see the cameras following around Zambrano.

Channel: Doubtful if there are enough cameras for Ozzie and Carlos…

ClutchUp

I got dizzy when I read that Stick fans were doing this back when…
Hopefully they’ve cleared this up…

I admit that I had to look up his name, but knew he wasn’t Crazy George 🙂

Mavo

My most vivid memory of Banjo Man was at the first Niner Super Bowl in Pontiac 1982. He had a seat close to mine in the lodge section of the Silverdome (back when they did not have offensive corporate names for stadiums and ballparks!) When the Niners recovered the onside kick to end the game in victory he started playing furiously and I got up to dance a, admittedly alcohol fueled, jig with him!! I wish someone had THAT on video!!

The other funny thing that happened was the guy who had his bare chest painted 49er red … he went half berserk when the gun went off and raced behind me stood up on a seat and screamed at the top of his lungs … NINERS F….ING NINERS BABY!!! over and over again to the shocked elite in one of the luxury suites… LOL I can still see the older woman who recoiled in horror at the site of this drooling screaming young man pounding on his chest and screaming!! Ah the memories!!

Mavo

Crazy George was a balding dude who banged some drums and made funny faces. He started out at San Jose State football games as far as I know. Have not seen him around for years now!

Mavo

Another Niner memory, that has a SF Giants tie in:

The Friday night before the first Niner Super Bowl in 1982 I was at their hotel trying to score a single ticket to the game. Best place for this was the bar of course! So while sitting in the bar that night who sits next to me but the old Giants TV guy from KTVU Gary Park. We started talkin’ ball and continued to do so for a couple of hours. What I remember was his ridiculous argument that Johnny Lemaster was the Giants best all-time SS in SF! I countered with Chris Speier or even Jose Pagan… but Gary would not hear of it… at least he picked up a couple of my drinks during the conversation.

The next day I got nervous because I had not scored a ticket yet. Back then the face value was only $40!! Finally the bartender tells me he scored me a good tix. He said to go down the hall by the cigarette machine and meet a guy name Frank. As I walked down the dark hallway I wondered if he was going to “make me an offer I couldn’t refuse” because the strong hint of that stuff was all around the hotel that weekend! When I got there Frank offered me the ticket for $80 but told me that if I was asked to say I was a family friend of the Debartolo’s and was from Youngstown! He was part of the Youngstown entourage and did not want anyone to know he sold me the tix. And I knew his real name was not Frank!

So I scored my ticket … in the 2nd deck or Luxury Lodge section at about the 35 yd line!! One of the best seats I have EVER had for a football game! And that goal line stand with Dan Bunz hit was practically right in front of me! The thing I remember most was the sound as Earl Cooper’s pads hit the Bengal defender as he scored the first Niner touchdown!! CRACK!!

Great Stories. We have all been at some great games through the years! How about the Superbowl at Stanford!

All the build up before the game. Marino – Marino and Marino,

Not so fast buddy 😉

Mavo

Yes Clutchup! This weekend’s game reminded me of all the hype for Marino and how on earth could the 49ers stop him and his Smurfs? This week it was ironic that Brees who broke Marino’s record was their victim!

Mavo

There is a great consistency in sports! Like in baseball offense entertains … but defense (pitching) wins championships!! That is one of the big reasons I am not too concerned about the Giants lineup with their great pitching… they HAVE to be better than last year because so much cannot go wrong like that again!

Agree, Casilla, Romo, or Schierholtz. They’re all important but not central players. They’ll sign for something reasonable. Pagan, probably, too.

Sandoval, Lincecum, and Melky may want to drive harder bargains based on 2011 performance.

(Romo’s performance in 2011 was stellar, but he’s a role player, and Bochy limits his use, I assume because he’s physically fragile. Not the same as Lincecum’s 200+ innings or Melky’s 200+ hits or Sandoval’s All-Star appearance.)

“John Shea tweets: “A’s make official deal for OF Seth Smith, trading Moscoso, Outman to Rockies.”

Smith’s Colorado numbers: .275/.348/.485″

primetimedonna

CU Jan 15th 3:26

Had I not vowed to no longer speak about said vet 1Bman, I would have said that hoped you are right. Personally would like to see him finish 2012 in a Giants’ uniform, but if a deal comes that’s up good for him and for us, I’d be in favor. Bus would like to see him on our 2012 World Series team! ;>)

@ PTD: Since I didn’t make any promises not to mention Huff, I’ll pick up where you left off. Like most others here, I’d like nothing better than Huff having a solid year. Especially after last year he wants to redeem himself and we could use that bat in the middle of the lineup.

That being said, there is a good possibility that he is losing his ability to hit at an elite level. He has lost bat speed and his late season slumps over the past few years are well documented. Furthermore, his presence at 1B blocks that position from one of our top prospects (Belt), not to mention the appx 40 games that Posey will play at 1B.

Coming into camp in prime condition and continuing to do the necessary work to stay in shape will be essential components to his success. He wants to finish his career strong, and his pride will drive him to erase last season from everyone’s memory. Still, his best position is DH, and if an AL team offers a couple of good prospects, I’d pull the trigger.

primetimedonna

totalfan

Thank you for finishing for me! Much appreciated, and I do appreciate your comments.

My only deviation if I were able to discuss him would be that I’m sure if he has any future after 2012, which is questionable, it would be a DH in American League (from whence he came.) However, unless we get something in return (as you said), and are able to move his ENTIRE salary, I would prefer to see him stay and let the cards fall where they may. Possiblities of his playing full or part time in either left, at first or from the bench would all be acceptable if earned, and I have faith that the coaches will do what is best for the team. The only exception I would take is saying anyone blocks anyone from a position is premature. Positions should be earned. Let’s wait till Spring Training see how everyone does, then any leashes should be short on anyone not pulling their weight, Rookie, Young Player or Vet. But, can’t say that. ;>)

The ‘Crazy A’s just traded Outman and Moscosso (pitchers) to the Rockies for Seth Smith. Both A’s are flyball pitchers. Well, they’ll be closer the jesus in Denver, and they’ll need it there. Since Smith had our number and is gone, and two more launching pads have become Rockies, maybe the Brandons and Huff will have pretty good years.

Seth Smith leaving is very good too. He murdered Affeldt, Runzler, and Casilla last year. His other love interest was Lincecum. Of Tim’s 15 HRs last year Smith had 3 of them. He is a 3 WAR player by leaving to te AL all by himself. RIP in Oakland Mr. Smith.

Keep’n It Real

channelclemente @ 1218pm…

“the Crazy A’s”

It’s a far cry from the “Swinging A’s” of yesteryear.

primetimedonna

CC

Maybe we’re getting good breaks all around on this trade, huh? Now if we can only get the snakes and boys in blue to make some similar trades……………..

indeed it is. My ‘smeller’ tells me Selig and Wolff (A’s owner) have anothe Expos like screwjob going for A’s fans. And I don’t mean San Joser. I’m not exactly an A’s fan, but living in Sacramento, I follow their AAA club, the Rivercats.

Anti-Lasorda

Channel, if not San Jose, then where?

Keep’n It Real

channelclemente @ 130pm

I am not an A’s fan either…live close to Sac (Roseville)…but have yet to attend a Riverscat game. I hear it’s a nice place to see a game. Maybe I’ll go see the Grizzlies when they come to town this year.

Anti-Lasorda @ 154pm

A huge A’s fan (who I trust 100%) has told me that he keeps hearing New Jersey (perhaps Brooklyn?) is pursuing the A’s behind the scenes. If San Jose falls through (I won’t get the soap box out again), then there is hope that the A’s would consider this type of relocation.

I would argue Sacramento, but maybe they could just raze West Oakland and leave the A’s in the same location. I hadn’t heard NJ, but have heard Portland and San Antonio tossed around. I expect the Astros going to the AL kills San Antonio, but brother Selig is a crafty skunk.

Mitchvman

Sacramento is the perfect baseball town. Other than the lack of large corporate presence. The area is close enough to garner Oaklanites, plus the valley up to Reno!

I would also argue Sacramento…but they’re having a hard enough time with the arena for the Kings.

Makes one wonder if it could be done *if* the Kings arena doesn’t work out. Assuming the Kings leave, perhaps they’ll be goverment officials and corporate sponsors that would want to fill the void with the A’s.

Full disclosure…I’m not a Kings fan. I read the Sac Bee and I can’t help but think the Kings are a 2nd rate franchise and it’s not going to get better anytime soon with some of the players on their roster. It’s also well-documented that the Maloofs needed money as part of the rationale to move to Anaheim. Roll all this together and you get a franchise that will re-locate quickly if that arena doesn’t happen rather soon.

Anyway…I’m with you on the Sac move for the A’s. I can see people supporting them.

I cannot disagree. As far as the Kings, it’s a second rate game that plays poorly in Peoria, so to speak. It needs a big city to thrive. Besides TIF’s (Tax Increment Financing) are a terrible deal for cities like Sac. Baseball would draw great here. Rivercat statdium drew somewhere North of 1/2 million last year. It actually outdrew the A’s on a game by game basis. Sacramento is a baseball town.

Even back in the Solons days Sacramento has been a great Baseball town. Wonderful summer nights! The “central” location would bring fans from all over. The proven commodity of the River Cats success should be considered the jumping off point!

Mitchvman

CC

Was in Paris on business. Only had fun at night time in some of the city’s dining rooms. Love to eat! Of course the wine!

Waiting to get on a plane from JFK to home

al oha

Banish the A’s to Triple A status until they can prove they are a Major League Team again.

It’s embarrassing to see them give away solid young pitchers like they grow on trees. They know the formula to winning is having a good Pitching Staff from reading Bay Area Media reports from across the Bay.

If the A’s are going to operate like a Minor League Organization then strip their MLB status.

Who do they think they are? The Chris Cohan-owned Warriors?
What is it with Oakland based teams anyways. Used to be a City of Champions, but it’s been so long, nobody remembers anymore.

Sadly the Reno Triple AAA team draws better than anything Sacramento. It should not be that way because of everyhing you have stated here. The Maloofs along with Kev-Johnson should have been able to generate something special Arena wise…but…

OFF TOPIC – Can someone send the guy Brandon Tierney who is paired with Eric Davis on 95.7 the Game = back to New York, please. Anybody paired with E.D. could have generated a tremendous show but Tierney has this propensity for saying what IF this or what if that had happened during the 49er v. Saints game. It gets OLD. Please pair him with Eric Byrnes on some low watt FM station and I will be happy.

I know that KIR, Channel and Foothills have cautioned me that having “played the game” is not mandatory, but in this case it would sure help Tierney stop arguing with Eric Davis…

Keep’n It Real

ClutchUp –

I don’t listen to “The Game”, but it sounds like me this Tierney guy likes hearing his own voice more than being concerned about what comes out of his mouth.

I will admit that more people not having “played the game” fall into this category. Kind of like short guys feeling the need to drive big ‘ol 4×4’s…but I digress 🙂

Romanowski falls into this category and he spit in the…errrr…”played the game”.

If that WERE true, Casilla would “hold out” Wilson is too tied to his media electronic outlets…. if he were toast – it would have leaked. Caring his gal pal aroun on his back might not help his elbow, but knowing Wilson he has visited every type of doctor in the world to judge where his elbow “is”. He might have even visited Tiger’s or Bortolo Colon’s stem-cell doctor for all we know..

Keep’n It Real

Ooops…I meant “sounds to me this Tierney guy likes…”

ClutchUp

Keep’n It Real says: January 16th, 2012 at 4:04 pm Romanowski falls into this category and he spit in the…errrr…”played the game”.

KIR
For those who watch Romo when he’s talking on TV, it is clear to me that he is lucky he retired when he did from the NFL. His speech is one notch before “slurring” comes into play… His Fitness53 products along with his attractive wife have probably saved his life from sounding like Ali did before Ali’s current status.. Romo sometimes seems like he is consuming the same beverage that Eric Byrnes presently drinks…

totalfan62

Since I’m out of market I don’t get much exposure to the Bay Area local media. My fix, as it were, is the KNBR website for podcasts and the occasional “listen now”. Love the Murph and Mac conversations with Kruk and Kuip.

Listening now to Razor and Mr. T, Ralph Barbieri and Tom Tolbert. Barbieri is simply awful. I know he has health issues and Clutch has given us a lot of history and behind the scenes stuff. Nonetheless, it makes me cringe to listen to Ralph. He seems a step behind and slow on the uptake, and Tolbert seems to be carrying him.

I was never much of a Barbieri fan, but it’s painful listening to this. The questions he’s asking Vernon Davis right now are trite and hackneyed, he’s struggling to keep the dialog moving, and it’s uncomfortable listening to say the least.

ClutchUp

OFF TOPIC
This was a good press conference. More to come Tues-Thurs. No Friday

totalfan62 says: January 16th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
-Nonetheless, it makes me cringe to listen to Ralph. He seems a step behind and slow on the uptake, and Tolbert seems to be carrying him… and it’s uncomfortable listening to say the least.

TotalFan62: I say this smiling – I wish I was out of the market sometimes when it comes to Ralph. Most of what I know about the private – bad – concerning Ralph was told to me by people he works with or deals with. Most of the sources are great people. He almost lost his job earlier with KNBR because of his propensity to use double meaning words (not Carlin type) but he loves to referr to people as jack-offs-jerk offs, morons, idiots. Most of these people like Martina Navratolova, Bill Russell, the USF Jesuit Priest and so on are people who he spat on – on the air. Ralph has called out Rick Barry and his stint parking in Baers spot in the Player parking lot and verbally abusing the attendant who works the lot in his wheel chair was reprehensible.

KNBR must know that he can no longer go solo. They pair him with Kevin Lynch or Ted Robinson UNLESS Tom ONLY takes off during the last half hour and then WOW – we can tell how far RB has slipped. Remember this is a person who Ken Norton Jr. quit KTVU Channel 2 TV once because of Ralphs’ weird comments…

He publicly denounced Harbaugh’s personality as “not right” or worse tried to clinically diagnosis him, and crapped on Alex Smith the last 6 yrs…

You have him pegged…

Lefty

KIR: You really should check out a Rivercats game. Great park and lots of fun.

Not a Kings’ fan, either. As I’ve shared here, I’m a huge Warriors fan from way back, and after the Kings moved here, the W’s TV games were blacked out. I’m only maybe 70 miles from Oracle Arena here in Davis, but I almost never get to see my team play. I wish the stupid Kings would move away already. Sac has been brutalized by the bad economy, and NO WAY should there be any public money for a new arena. The area can’t afford it, and it would be wrong even to try. The Maloofs are idiots, and the players and coaches keep behaving like thugs (some even getting arrested!). Go away, Kings, and hurry up about it.

primetimedonna

Totalfan

Agree with you on Barbieri. Feel very bad about his illness, but he was almost “unlistenable” from even his early days. Most of his questions are inane, and he has the horrible habit of talking over his guests. I only listen because of Tolbert, and find myself looking forward to Barbieri’s vacations and days off! When Tolbert is off I can’t even listen.

Keep’n It Real

totalfan62 – I actually hit the mute button during that interview, because Ralph…as he is one to do…says something that makes me cringe.

Lemme see:

* Now that (fill name in here) is doing well, Ralph has always supported (fill in name here) when everyone else wasn’t.

* No one else would listen to Ralph, when he said (insert any successful sports story item here) months ago.

I have a great deal of compassion for his illness and I am truly hopeful that he can put off the effects of his illness for years and years. That said, you are right…that timeslot would be just as effective if Tom was doing the show by himself. Heck…Ray Woodson could be the co-host and all that whininess and self-righteousness would go away. Ralph is the guy that makes me laugh, anyway.

Keep’n It Real

Lefty –

I was trying to be PC about the Kings, but since you opened the door…I can’t wait to see the Kings move either!!!

Ticks me off when I drive home from being in the Bay Area all week…the Sharks are televised…and they aren’t on because the Kings (and their crappy announcers) are wasting good cable transmission time.

we need to have Brandon Thierny’s name removed/changed. Jobu does not approve, it unsettles the rest of his two Brandon acolytes to have a douchet with the same name.

Nightall.

Keep’n It Real

ClutchUp @ 456pm.

KNBR just said the same thing. You must be a KNBR “Insider” 😉

Anti-Lasorda

Pagan’s deal is for 4.85 and maybe upto 5M depending on PAs. That another 300K above projection which consumes another 300K from the kitty…..

If we’re trying to keep a few Pennys for Brad or Cody, that kitty is getting mighty small……. (assuming Timm-eh ONLY get $19.2M….)

6 more to go….. ( i had been forgetting about Romo)

totalfan62

I was surprised to see Pagan’s number that high, thinking that he would be $3.5-4.0MM. Shows somewhat how out of balance the arbitration system is. He settled for $3.5 last year and he did not have a good year. Receiving almost a 50% increase seems excessive.

I guess the process takes into account the player is paid the minimum (appx 500M) for the first three years, but it’s easy to see how underperforming players can creep up to overpaid status.

Staying positive, let’s hope he has such a good year that we see him as a value for $5.0MM.

For you Ebaggers who informed me earlier of Ralph’s arcane questions, I caught the tail end when he asked Ted Robinson 2 typical RB silly questions. It went something like this by Ralph: “Ted, in your best honesty did you think it was over when Brees hit his tight end with the TD pass with 1:37 left on the clock”?

Thankfully Ted did not bite. Planet Earth to KNBR decision makers: Please listen to RB and the Byrnes shows. Ray Woodson’s skills are being wasted as a board operator/fill in replacement.

And thank god that college football being over has put an end to the 2011 version of the Patrick Connor travesty aka The Sports Saloon. Here is a punk that lives in the Tenderloin, drinks and smokes heavily and can’t resist telling everyone at 9am Saturday mornings, nor stop using favorite phrases on live radio like “why does so and so have such a hard on for so and so. Pretty classy of Station manager Lee Hammer to allow this Auburn Tiger-Supposedly Ex Marine to happily talk about defecation and fornication on a sports radio show. Burp….

Keep’n It Real says:January 16th, 2012 at 5:02 pmClutchUp @ 456pm.
KNBR just said the same thing. You must be a KNBR “Insider.

KIR: Nope, just happened to stumble over it via a Google alert link.

JD4SF

ClutchUp says:
January 15th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
358..
JD4SF: Would LOVE to get ahold of a copy of the directive which was given or will be given to each player and each level regarding SFGiant Offensive Hitting Philosophy/Small Ball/Bunting/Hitting and Running and Hitting by the Situation and By the Count
====================
Hopefully that info is kept under tight security. No sense in handing ammunition to your opposition!

JD4SF

primetimedonna says:
January 16th, 2012 at 11:16 am
397..
would like to see him on our 2012 World Series team! ;>)
===========

I’ll be ecstatic to see Giants in uniform winning the 2012 WS patch, and I won’t be real picky about who is wearing those uniforms. 😉

JD4SF

My A’s fan hubby says the A’s are going into rebuilding mode by selling off top players, trying to reincarnate Moneyball. But he must not be real confident about that because for the first time in many years he is considering NOT buying season tickets.

Anti-Lasorda

Rick Peterson signed with the O’s……

Maybe a missed opportunity to keep Zurich’s head on straight….

Anti-Lasorda

I’m suprised no new post with the Pagan news….

Anti-Lasorda

Schulman has good news about Wheezy over on the Splash…..

juanrapido

Just for the hell of it: Doug Henry

E-B

Hi All, and a very (belated) happy 2012 to y’all.
Thx Baggs, for 3 reports!

tryin to catch up…i’m outta shape!

———————-
re: Vogey. Congrats for sure. What a story. What a person.

———————-
re: Huff. @PTD, @total. Good posts. Wish for the best, but be prepared for something less.

———————-
re: Belt, Fielder rumors. OY!!! @Janks, @Clutch. Good posts. Belt 1B–best D we have. Sheesh, I wonder if some of writers (not Baggs) blurt out rumors just to goad agents into revealing their intentions. Fielder in SF, would be a shock. Hitters usually do not come here voluntarily.

———————-
re: 5th starter. @Dinero. I like Roy-O, but SFG might bet on finding another gem during ST, a la the Ryan Vogelsong story. I think FA pitchers will flock to SFG ST for many years to come. Zeets prob on a very short leash, which he has earned.

———————-
re: Colon to A’s, Seth to A’s. I guess Beane’s remaking the team. Glad Seth’s outta NLWest for now, but for how long? Betcha Beane will trade him again, in view of the heavy interest in Seth.

Actually, imho all along, camp-timmy’s 8-yr counteroffer was probably a very polite way of refusing a long term contract. (bcuz Timmy’s already clearly stated, he doesn’t like mega-contracts, esp. the gargantuan unrealistic expectations and motivation-killing nature that comes along w/ ’em. Said he prefers to have a goal each year to work towards. Also, Timmy said he does not wish to put his team in dire straits w/ those bloated contracts.)

As much as I’d love to see Timmy locked here w/ SFG for the rest of his career, I have a different view now.

I say, give Timmy a contract that suits his comfort zone. Don’t negotiate from a position of fear (that he’ll leave). Just make the kid comfortable. I think he’ll stay.

(and keep in mind, bcuz of Timmy & the discount prices, the team’s been able to weather the disasterous Zito contract so far. Pay Timmy a fair-market salary. He has earned at least that, and probably deserves much more.)

———————-
re: Buster.
Buster’s ankle will demand some attention away from his normal game, so Buster needs a major-league backup. Someone who can help groom the pitching staff during ST, in prep for the postseason, and most importantly, someone who can call the right pitch, at the right time, while deftly managing the pitching staff.

imho, that’s Bengie all the way. No learning curve needed, no downtime; totally a turn-key solution to help the team, and to help Buster make it to the postseason in 1 piece.

Of course, luv Stew & Hector, but, *when* we get to the postseason again, esp. during WS, I want Buster & Bengie behind the dish. Cuz sometimes, clinching a WS can hinge on “just one pitch.”

(btw, just pure speculation on my part, but who knows what the outcome of 2011 WS might have been if Bengie had been behind the dish for that last hitter? He might have coaxed a better pitch, to a better location, and might have drawn that one last strike needed for the KO, and the title.

In fact, he would have begun to groom his pitching staff *during ST* to be ready for the postseason, cuz that’s where the confidence-building really begins. In fact, I believe Bengie contributed greatly to the SFG 2010 WS win, cuz he started that whole process during ST of that year…and earlier.)

At the very least, bring Bengie back as a special assistant or coach. The team will be sharper, stronger w/ his guidance. He has a gift for nurturing young talent. Also, he calls an awesome, clever game. Just ask Timmy, Matty, Willie.

Bottom line is, a great pitcher + a great catcher = dynamite. The 2 together are much more formidable than either alone.
———————-

al oha

E-B,

Nice post. Agree with most except your opinion of a 2012 Bengie. The guy is done, stick a fork in him.

If the Giants were inclined to sign him, don’t you think it would have been the week after Buster’s injury? That is when they needed an experienced catcher the most. Now, they are loaded at that position, and for many years to come. In fact, they are over-loaded. They are probably deeper at catcher than almost every Major League Organization. When all gets hashed out, they will pare it down and use some for trade chips.

Adding a Bengie would again bog down the lineup. We are trying to add speed, not put up roadblocks. They would have to drop someone off the 25/40 rosters and block all other catchers from advancing. Hector Sanchez is on the verge of being Buster’s everyday fill-in and brings advantages of a good bat from both sides of the plate. Chris Stewart, imho, is probably currently the no. 1 Defensive Catcher in the Giants’ System, at least until Buster is 100%. He is the perfect “relief” catcher to compliment Buster. And then when Buster gets stronger and Hector becomes more ready, Stewart becomes a valuable trade chip. Don’t you think a Defensive Catcher the quality of Chris Stewart would have some major value to some other teams?

The last thing is that he sort of burned some bridges on his way out when he was traded. That was evident when the Giants were looking for a catcher as Bengie was home on the couch.

Look forward. Younger, faster, stronger is the direction to move in. The Pitching Staff has proved to be fine just as they are.

Mavo

I agree with Clutchup about Ralph on KNBR… it is time to get rid of him. As someone also fighting a life-threatening illness I feel for his health situation. But I certainly would not be able to do my old job in my current condition … and Ralph B cannot do his anymore either.

I have two Ralph B experiences that show what a problem this guy is:

1) at the 2002 World Series Game 6 Ralph sat down next to me in an empty seat for a few innings (those LA fans even show up late for the World Series!!). And while I tried to engage him in some Giants talk … he was rude and ignored me! Like he could not watch the game and talk at the same time? So after awhile I just kept quiet … then Shawn Dunston hit his HR and Ralph turns to me to say “… the bum finally did something! He’s done squat all year til now!” … I just turned to him and said “Did you say something?” What a JERK!!

2) then in 2008 I was at the game when Ralph made a complete ass out of himself. Bochy pulled Lincecum in the 8th inning after he had thrown over 100 pitches in a close game. So Ralph gets up from his seat in Sec 123 (I am in 122) and starts yelling and screaming at Bochy. Then the jerk runs over a few people to get to section 121 where Larry Baer is sitting and starts yelling at Larry … like Larry is going to overrule Bochy or something! The whole scene was bizarre and I am sure if it had not been Ralph any other fan would have been thrown out of the ballpark!

It is TIME to put Ralph out to pasture where he can focus on his health!

I don’t think the Giants need a slow running catcher when the offense is now gearing up for more speed and small ball. Where I think Molina might be useful is in a “catching coach/mentor” position, educating the upcoming catchers so they’re better prepared to work with the pitchers at the MLB level, make better pitching calls, improve situational awareness, better blocking, glovework, footwork, throws, etc.

Lefty

Re: catchers. Agree that Molina is exceptionally good at mentoring young pitchers and catchers. He earned that 2010 WS ring, not just for playing the first half of the season but also for helping bring along our two aces in their formative years.

While I agree that we have too much catching talent in the system to need Bengie as a player, it would indeed be great to have him as a coach or instructor to these youngsters. I know he had/has a great relationship with Buster, too.

Stewart & Hector: Our unique situation this year almost argues for carrying three catchers: (1) Buster will need breaks, maybe even late in games he starts at catcher; (2) Hector appears to be ready to help the team with his bat; and (3) Stewart is an extremely good defensive catcher, better than Hector or even Buster at this stage.

Those three could mix and match offensively and defensively. For example, if Buster is catching, Hector can pinch-hit from either side, with Stewart there for an emergency. If Buster is playing 1B, Hector can catch and get 3-4 ABs while Stewart can come in late in a tight game where baserunning is a threat.

I wouldn’t be saying this if we knew Buster was 100% ready to be the full-time catcher, but we don’t know that yet.

Who’s bumped for a third catcher? I guess Pill. We already have Huff, Belt, Buster, Sandoval, and even Burriss who can play 1B. Having Stewart’s D or Hector’s bat may be more important than yet another first baseman. Nothing against Pill.

totalfan62

The catching situation is (or should be) the least of our concerns. As Al Oha points out, we’re very deep at C in the minors. HSanchez has shown us enough offensive potential and ability to catch a decent game. Posey makes every player around him better, especially his backups. Stewart is essentially a player/coach and would help Sanchez grow even more as a catcher.

We probably can’t carry three catchers, even if Giants plan for Buster to play 1B 25-35 games, but that would be an ideal situation.

E B
Welcome back! Good to see your post!
“Wish for the best, but be prepared for something less. ”
Agree 100%

JD4SF
“I’ll be ecstatic to see Giants in uniform winning the 2012 WS patch, and I won’t be real picky about who is wearing those uniforms.”
AMEN!!!!

Lefty
Agree with your assessment of Stewart & Sanchez! Only problem with dropping Pill is the need for his right handed bat. Tough decisions ahead! Looking forward to Spring Training!

Keep’n It Real

Steve @ 722am

Good link and interesting article.

Giants getting no respect in the OF positions (which is warranted without any games played), SS (Brandon rated last), and 5th Starter (Zito ranked last…no surprise there).

Keep’n It Real

Melky Cabrera/Giants agree on $6M deal to avoid arbitration.

Keep’n It Real

Andres Torres/Mets agree on $2.7M

primetimedonna

KIR
Miss Andres, but glad to see him getting a nice pay day!

Anti-Lasorda

Suprised at Cabrera’s number which is $1.8M above projections.

Casillas was right in line.

There is no more Kitty…. it is gone……..as the number is at $129.2M with four cases still outstanding,

Lincecum $19.2M
Romo $1.3M
Sandoval $3.5M
Schierholtz $1.2M

No Ross, no Penny, nothing…..

The brass was being 100% honest. They’re done and still maybe over their ‘budget’.

I wonder if they trade Affeldt if the loose Lincecum’s hearing to get back under the number.

Anti-Lasorda

Good for Andres….

I’m going to miss his personality, but I’m glad the Giants didn’t sign that deal.

Lefty

Steve @ 7:22 a.m.: Thanks for linking the interesting article. Weird that they assume Huff is 1B and Belt is…RF?

If you put Belt at 1B and Nate in RF, the rankings would likely be higher at both positions and the overall score closer to that of the Dbacks. But who knows, anyway, it’s only January.

The Twitter is also reporting a $2.2 mil. deal for Casilla, so only Lincecum, Pablo, Nate, & Romo to go. Gs looking pretty good.

Anti-Lasorda

As far as the catching talk,

I thought signing Molina was a good idea, and would have presented good value before he signed for Tampa Bay.

That was JOSE MOLINA…..

Benji and Stew is a wash in my mind, and Stew ia bout $2M dollars cheaper and won’t be competing with Pablo on the “Spread King Destroyer” award……..

Lefty

Anti,

I’m guessing the $130 is “-ish.” If they’re at, say, $132, I can’t see them trading someone just to get under $130 (unless they want that money for a new FA).

IMO, they shouldn’t count Rowand, anyway.

primetimedonna

Lefty

Agree about Rowand’s salary not being counted. They should have a place on their spreadsheet showing this as a loss to be written off over time. ;>)

Anti-Lasorda

Lefty +++++++

I agree it would have been a better business practice to write Rowand’s 13.6M off last year when you cut him loose and you had record revenues rather than count it as an operating expense for 2012. I have wanted clarification on that position since September, but the club had not clarified and we can only assume by thirty actions that the opposite is true.

Otherwise I would guess that 11M for J-Roll would have been an excellent use of the Rowand funds…..

Agreed. We have to count Zito and Huff because they’re still on the roster and (hopefully) will be contributing. A guy who’s on a minor league deal with the Marlins is not part of your current “payroll.” It’s more like writing off a business loss on your taxes.

And yes, that money could have bought Rollins…or Beltran…or Roy Oswalt for one year…sigh…

to look on the bright side about Rowand, he can’t use the money he gets from the Marlins, if he does, as a raise. We get to decrease our contribution by whatever they pay him (MLBPA) by his contract there. Not much in the way of $$, but maybe it’s a couple of million given the PA minimums, and his time as a pro.

primetimedonna

CC

Anyway of looking up that salary for Rowand? thought I remembered (not something I do well these days) reading it was in the $500,00.00 to $700,000.00 range.

ClutchUp

Lots of great posts today and nice link by Steve. We all know that Belt is not a RF and we all know that Aubrey is not a LF and really NOT a RF. That said, Huff has never asked to play the OF – he has only stated that he will do whatever the team asks of him.

We No Longer have the infamous Water Buffalo Outfield….

If Nate were to have a poor stretch – Pagan would slide to RF and Melky to CF.

Now that DeRosa has signed with the Nat’s, I still would like to see Burrell invited to Spring Training as an Instructor/Mentor. Pat was never as talkative as DeRosa, but it would not hurt to consider. His overall patience at the plate provided many memorable patience at bats.

And now that the Brandon’s are married along with Posey and Nate, doubtful that any of Burrell’s proclivity for after hours would be a deterrent to the sanity of the Spring Training Clubhouse 😉

ClutchUp

totalfan62 says: January 17th, 2012 at 7:10 am – We probably can’t carry three catchers, even if Giants plan for Buster to play 1B 25-35 games, but that would be an ideal situation.

TotalFan62:

Bochy already had “the talk” with Sandoval regarding “catching a few innings”.

I’m not sure. I know the minimum is set by the MLBPA and is scaled on the basis of how long you’ve been up in the bigs. The Marlins can float it and put incentives in as well. I would imagine the possibles start at about $1 – 1.5MM + incentives.

is devoted the the subject, but I’ve never spent any time looking through it.

Keep’n It Real

Interesting question asked on ESPN chat:

Question:

Which would you rather have, Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan for 11 mil or Carlos Beltran for 13 mil? In addition, you would still have Jonathan Sanchez to do something with, either start or trade for someone else.

Answer (David Schoenfield):

Hmm, very good question.

ClutchUp

Did Bengie sit out ALL of 2011? If so, he’s done as far as an active player. Spring Training Wise as a mentor would work.

As a former catcher on the Big SF Club (1990-1992, 1996) Decker does a lot of the instructional stuff and now that he is not tied down to Fresno full time, he will be more valuable, although at first I thought it was a demotion, but NOW I feel Deckers’ new position has more to do with the SFG directive on “All Things Hitting”. Manifesto 2.0

My opinion, given the way Posey talked last night on Comcast, I’d say he’ll be lucky to catch 80-90 games. He described pain and fatigue being an issue if he squatted more than 2 simulated games in a row. My guess, they carry 3 catchers at least up to the AS break, and play it by ear after that.

ClutchUp

Keep’n It Real says: January 17th, 2012 at 10:51 am

* I want Pagan-Cabrera vs. prime time Carlos.

Reasons based on gut and intangibles:
-With Uribe we had a last name from the past (Jose Uribe) Good Karma
-With Pagan, another blast from the past ALTHOUGH not related…
-With Melky=will produce “upper-lip-fake-milk-strips” for all our cute Giant kid fans … or mama-bear-baggers of all ages … and will replenish the marketing department sales… “We’ve Got Melk”…

-Pagan and Cabrera already have their Giant Team Bags, unlike Beltran who favored his Mets Team Bag … Could not get off his butt to congratulate Burrell coming off the field in his last appearance … In truth Beltran probably had NO clue what was going on … 🙁

primetimedonna

Clutch

Agree with you on Pat as a Mentor/Instructor, but had to laugh……Pat would still have Wilson and Lincecum, two of his Marina buddies, to deter with his proclivities. LOL!!!

Posey, Stewart and Whiteside would mean that the 13 position players would go to 14 and the pitchers down to 11.

Versus Sandoval catching some games, I don’t think they will carry both Stewart and Whiteside but if they did then Channel nailed it on 1/17/12 @ 10:55.

ClutchUp

primetimedonna says: January 17th, 2012 at 11:01 am Clutch
Agree with you on Pat as a Mentor/Instructor, but had to laugh……Pat would still have Wilson and Lincecum, two of his Marina buddies, to deter with his proclivities. LOL!!!

PTD: Okay, but 55 and 38 can also get into their own issues without Pat’s assistance, whereas the “newbie-fresh-scrubbed” faces of both Brandon’s + Buster (not so much Nate because he’s always been grounded) would be like target practice for some of “your” younger feline-sisterhood.

Remember when 55 first came up … Mr. Snaggletooth scared a few young fans until he got that taken care of, and 38’s facial hair must be so remarkably cash plentiful, because I’ve grown tired of it, and I do bet it’s not every females cup of tea (not counting the current girl friend) Wilson has the type of beard that might have tenants living in it.

Based on what I have read about the type of father 38’s dad was, I wonder what the late Mr. Wilson would say to his son about the state of affair of his beard.

Imagine Wilson playing for Cashman/NYY and company with their facial hair policies…

ClutchUp

Anbody else having troubles on this site?

Lefty

CU,

I know about Sandoval. But I’m sure we’d all agree that we don’t want to see him behind the plate except in a five-alarm emergency because (a) he’s too valuable a bat to risk there; (b) he hasn’t played catcher since what, 2008? and (c) even then, how good was he defensively or calling games?

(Sandoval does have a great arm and good reflexes–surprisingly good for a man of his…build. Maybe he could throw runners out and block pitches in a pinch.)

I still think Buster’s situation warrants a serious look at a three-catcher scenario. Buster is about a 65-70% catcher this year if all goes well. In Hector and Stewart, we have two halves of a great back-up catcher. OK, maybe I’ll give Hector about 65% because he has SOME value behind the plate and he’s a switch-hitter.

So 70% of Buster, 65% of Hector, and 50% of Stewart (ALL defense) adds up to 185% catchers. See? We need three–and even then, it’s not really two whole catchers!

I deliberately didn’t mention Whiteside. Barring a horrendous emergency, I don’t see him in the mix at all.

I agree that Pill’s RH bat would be nice to have. I think it’s between Hector’s bat and Pill’s bat off the bench. Hector is a switch-hitter, so more versatile that way. The sample size on the two is about the same, so it’s hard to say at this point who will be the more successful ML hitter.

I wonder how much playing time Pill will actually get, though (see the list of the five possible other 1Bs from my earlier post!). In contrast, Hector could be getting a full game’s worth of ABs a couple times a week (when Buster plays first or takes the day off) and pinch-hitting on other days. So while they’re similar assets offensively, Hector might be more useful overall.

Keep’n It Real

I have a hard time seeing the Giants placing Pablo behind the plate; regardless of whether Bochy had a talk with him or not.

You have a proven commodity at 3rd base…with potentially even more upside…and you put him behind the plate? Why would anyone risk him breaking his hand and/or being involved in a plate collision?

I could see it now…Pablo out for extended time after being injured behind the plate. Yeah…that wouldn’t get people ticked off around here.

primetimedonna

CU LOL!! Okay, I’ll buy that! But actually the Brandons and Posey have always been more mature than some of their older brethren on the team!! ;>) And definitely agree that Mr. Wilson and Mr. Lincecum are definitely best suited for San Francisco and our more tolerant fans at this stage of their careers! Yes, they can get into their own mischief, but it escalates with Pat…..think they are capable of handling it though.
And all three have plenty of we Mama Bears feline sisters willing to forgo the beard, teeth and baggage of all three!! ;>)

Anti-Lasorda

With Decker leaving Fresno, Whiteside was signed to be Hectors instructor/mentor in Fresno and Stew as the primary backup.

Hector could earn his way on the club at Stew’s expense, but I don’t see that happening THIS spring. Once Hector is with the big club permanent, Stew becomes expendable (being developed outside the organization) or more likely I see Whitey as a roaming instructor helping Monnel, etc. and Stew as insurance in Fresno….

Pablo is a Pedro Felix type emergency catcher only. Although you should check out Zito’s ERA throwing to the Panda. It might merit the Panda in the SQUAT every 5th day.

YMMV….

primetimedonna

Lefty

You make a good argument for Hector vs Pill. Will be interesting to see how things play out.

ClutchUp

Mavo says: January 17th, 2012 at 2:10 am I agree with Clutchup about Ralph on KNBR… it is time to get rid of him.

WoW, Mavo, yep that’s the real-true-blue Ralph alright. He’s called more people he did not know a jerk, idiot + many more than stuff has come home to roost. He attended Mills HS in Millbrae California and on his early days at KNBR use to brag about his hoop prowess. So easy to look up and NO, Ralph played zilch. He very seldom talks about his immediate family because …. His days in Hawaii writing for the defunct “SPORT” magazine was fraught with off hours bad behavior. The people at the Giants won’t even put anything in writing regarding his behavior, but they will talk with you over the phone.

At USF when Father John Lo Schiavo shut down the Dons hoops because of the Quentin Daily raping of a Lone Mountain Nursing Student, Barbieri used his show to rip the Jesuit Priest calling him words and names we can’t use hear…

primetimedonna

Never understood how Barbieri got his job in the first place. My memory is not what it was, but didn’t he replace Ken Dito? Not a step up, that’s for sure!!

the site had a hiccup for about 1/2 hour and wouldn’t refresh or load.

Anti-Lasorda

Worst stuff I ever had to endure on KNBR was all the pompus self praising diatribe Barbieri gave himself after taking credit for his ‘discussions’ with Sabean resulting in the World Series victory. Or his credit for running Armando Benitez out of town…..

As if his personal bashing of anyone on the airwaves had any impact on the way Brian ran the club.

PUH-LEASE!

I would not be sad to seem him go, but I like Tom and wonder who they would get for his new partner. IMO, he can’t quite carry a 4 hour show by himself, and I don’t think Damon and Tom would be the best match.

ClutchUp

Lefty says: January 17th, 2012 at 11:54 am

Good stuff however Bochy15 (hopefully he’ll recover his number) did go public with the fact that he did tell Pablo about the #3 emergency catcher… and they are so left handed in their 25 man that IMO Pill will be very valuable. I just also remembered that Pill handled himself well around the bag also.

I will say this, Pills missing in action during Winter Ball was either by design of SF Brass meaning they might part with him for a prospect or it was due to the amount of overall reps that Pill had occurred.

Unfortunately I also now see their reasoning being the 400+K MLB and the 195K Milb contract for Whiteside. They would not use Sanchez as a number three in SF, choosing instead to call Stewart and Hector 2 and 2A. Whiteside’s pulse is still beating, when here I thought he was signed as a respectful thank you for his journeyman-type-clubhouse qualities.

It is clear NOW that Buster is doing most of his grunt work now and that there is NO Way that the SF Brass-Bureau will overwork Buster in ST. His catching skills will be honed and sharpened “on the side” and on “back fields” and he will NOT catch many innings in Spring Training. Because Whitey22 knows the staff and calls a good game – It is so clear that 22 might catch many young Pups in Spring Training Split Squad Games.

As al oha and others have stated, Whiteside is a technical nightmare behind the plate, he backhands balls in lieu of getting in front of and blocking balls correctly. Being a MLB Catcher is about Ball-Blocking, Throwing and Receiving (otherwise known as ‘calling the game’) Whiteside is shaky on two out of three.

Keep’n It Real

ClutchUp –

Didn’t Ralph do some Cheer Squad thing at USF? I seem to recall that being mentioned.

I was cracking up the other night when Ralph went off on one of his usual tangents and Tom said, “OK…Mr. Hawaii softball player.” Don’t remember what the topic was, but that response was funny as %$#.

I’ve never met the guy, but it makes me wonder if part of Gary’s “You can really a lot about a person after the camera is off” message is directed at Ralph (even though it would be “when the microphone is off”). That said, he probably is too closed-minded to even wonder if Gary is secretly punking him.

Ralph used to be the afternoon news/sports guy for KNBR for a guy named “Joel A. Spivak”. He then got the “Sportsphone 68” gig from Dave Newhouse (as ClutchUp mentions) and there was a lot out there about Newhouse feeling that Ralph back-stabbed him.

Upon moving to his current 3-7pm spot (before Tom was added), Bob Fitzgerald took over “Sportsphone 68”. Bob was even more cocky back then, if that is at all possible.

ClutchUp

Keep’n It Real says: January 17th, 2012 at 12:18 pm Didn’t Ralph do some Cheer Squad thing at USF? I seem to recall that being mentioned.

KIR: That sounds like a Ralph=USF venture. Yell Leader! I know Bobby Fitzgerald was a non-sports=type guy at his HS – Serra, San Mateo and he was a full blown male cheer leader with the same class that Bonds was in at that time.

Radnich speaks differently to his audience, but he too has his own self-indulgence issues… His on air TV crush with Pam Moore even escalated when Pam mentioned to Gary that she was good friends with Frankie Beverly of the Group Maze.

Of course he left the mother of his now grown kids to marry KNBR employee Alicia … most of his years at KNBR he had a good friendship with Sheriff Richard Hongisto, Mayor Willie Brown, Art Agnos and Police Chief Anthony Ribera … he had to because Uncle Gary had a fondness for some of San Francisco’s finest “lady-boys”. It was standard procedure for on duty beat cops to gently knock on the roof of Gary’s then Bentley and gingerly ask that the car “get moving”…

Barbieri is just pure cannon fodder. He brings nothing to the show. Tolbert COULD handle a solo gig but he doesn’t want to now that his boy(s) are in HS and playing football.

What Anti Lasorda said is 100% true. Ralph thinks he built ATT and has told anybody who would listen that he could park in Baer’s parking spot because he is “just as important as Larry”.

I spit up a little bit when Ralph was shown in the celebrating clubhouses of the ATL/Philly and Ranger series…. very bad …. very bad …

al oha

If Ralph was anything close to a prominent “Hawaii Softball Player” in the last 30 years, I would have either played against him or at least heard of him. These islands are THAT small as far as the softball community goes.

I didn’t even know he once lived in Hawaii.

Although, I’d have to agree with most of you regarding his attitude and on-air demeanor in his earlier days (I only started listening to him a couple of years ago), I believe that I sense a different outlook on life from him since revealing his illness. I also sense a different attitude towards him, in the relationships from colleagues and guests. That is probably from them being more sensitive to his plight. But, I have gathered that he had quite a few contentious relationships prior.

Having said that, he still has a face only radio could love. And at the same time, he has a voice only silent pictures could love. Not a good combination for a media personality.

ClutchUp

primetimedonna says: January 17th, 2012 at 11:59 am
And all three have plenty of we Mama Bears feline sisters willing to forgo the beard, teeth and baggage of all three!! ;>)

***Thus the name Prime Time*** You go girl(s)

😉

ClutchUp

Anti-Lasorda says: January 17th, 2012 at 12:00 pm

– Great perspective on the Whiteside – Hector situation! Everything you said could easily come to pass, especially since Stewart by and large has no SF history compared to those mentioned.

ClutchUp

al oha says: January 17th, 2012 at 12:37 pm If Ralph was anything close to a prominent “Hawaii Softball Player” in Having said that, he still has a face only radio could love. And at the same time, he has a voice only silent pictures could love. Not a good combination for a media personality.

*** I swear KNBR found Ralph’s love child in Patrick Connor. His voice right now sounds like Ralph’s when he joined KNBR.

A former teacher of mine could never stand the fact so she said that Barbieri NEVER breathed into and out from his diaphram, but rather through his nostrils.

Speaking of which…what is UP with Chris Berman not being able to finish a sentence or three without being Out of Breath?

Radnich = Bently Story. 😉 Agreed, but I had a SF Cop as a roommate and had to listen to those stories ~ ~ ~ the Beat Cops were pleading with Hongisto or then Ribera to “score a collar” – but alas, Tony Salvatore in those days had friends in low places…

Clutch: I’ve been wondering about Berman’s shortness of breath for the past few months. He sometimes tries to cram too many words into one breath and therefore run out of steam at the end. Lately though, it seems as if something else is going on. I hope it’s not an illness issue. I do wish he would retire some of the schtick, the parts that have been around far too long and make even longtime fans like me cringe often.

Keep’n It Real

channelclemente – I read the article, but could find anything about super-sizing the happy meal. (couldn’t resist :-))

Baggs & Schulman tweeting about a call w/Bobby Evans: As suspected, Gregor Blanco in the mix for OF depth. Also: “We’re set with five starters.” Aargh.

Keep’n It Real

Lincecum wants $21.5M and Giants offering $17M…per KNBR

Keep’n It Real

Baggs Tweet, “When lincecum figures come out (they did @ $21.5M), remember player abd club do not defend field number…they defend 1 dollar over/under the midpoint.

primetimedonna

Lost the thread for awhile and then had a meeting so a little late responding.

CU & KIR Thanks for the background with Barbieri. Knew the memory was faulty! What was the story with Dito, or did I make him up…..also, a possibility! Don’t remember Spivak and forgot about Newhouse!

CU LOL! Think I worded the feline sisters/Mama Bears post!! Trust me, I have no interest, and was only commenting on the “feline sisters” aka groupies!! Definitely not a dirty old Mama Bear, just a Mama Bear!! ;>)

Keep’n It Real

Nate signs for $1.3M with 4150K in incentives,

Keep’n It Real

Sorry…$150K in incentives.

Anti-Lasorda

Hmmm…. mid point on those Lincecum number is $19.25M…. right on projection.

And body betting a 2 year $38.5M deal gets done with $17 in 2012, $21.5M in 2013 and a club option for $23M with a $1M buyout for 2014.

That’s my guess and I’m sticking to it. If they can get that deal done, that would make up for the $1.8M overpay on Cabrera and suggest there maybe a ‘kitty’ restored depending on Pablo….

Anti-Lasorda

Baggs better get off twiter and make a post with all the deals getting done.

pacman68

Andrew Baggarly @extrabaggs 15m Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Like Randy Johnson move of ’09, give or take a foot. RT @tomkrasovic West Coast Bias says #SFGiants should make a run at Roy Oswalt.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE GIANTS SHOULD DO.

Keep’n It Real

pacman68 – It will be VERY interesting to see what happens when Zito fails and the Giants fans unleash the wrath. I say this because then they’ll start playing games with the rotation and try to get Zito starts on the road…then the other starters are impacted…and all of a sudden they have a much bigger problem on their hands. If Zito is going to suck as bad as most of us think, let’s hope this becomes obvious in a very quick way during Spring Training, so there’s an opportunity to have more back-up plan options.

pacman68

Keep’n It Real – Zito will suck. That is a given. What worries me if Volgie sucks … then we will be knee deep in the hoopla. Volgie has had one good year. I will repeat that … one good year. What makes you think he has turn the corner? If he reverts to form … we are toast.

Shows faith in Sandoval. Buys out all arb years. Could be a great bargain if he continues to rake.

Happy for the Panda. He deserves it.

primetimedonna

Happy to have the Panda with us for 3 years!! Seems like a good contract breakdown for Giants and for him. Let’s hope he just keeps getting better!!

Lefty

Heck, if Alex Smith can be a hero, maybe Zito CAN be good again. Why not? This week, everything seems possible.

And Huff, too!

Anti-Lasorda

Panda is on the number.

Only Romo and Timm-eh remain.

If Romo is on the projections ($1.3M) and the Club and Timmeh split the difference ($19.25M for 2012) we are just under the $130M Cap give or take a few 100K that they could just not bump Bumgarner or Posey to the $750 to 800K margin and make up….

pacman68 says: January 17th, 2012 at 4:25 pm Keep’n It Real – Zito will suck. That is a given. What worries me if Volgie sucks … then we will be knee deep in the hoopla. Volgie has had one good year. I will repeat that … one good year. What makes you think he has turn the corner? If he reverts to form … we are toast.

*Pac* – Nice to see you still have your passion for all things that might suck (on the planet) Doubtful in light of the way Major League Baseball Works that the Vogey contract was outlandish. I realize its grating to get paid on past performances, but Vogs is the time of player “unlike Zito” who if he does go into the crapper = he’d probably give his $ back even though the players union doth protest..

ClutchUp

*type of player*

ClutchUp

Zito:

Channel already figured it out. Zito goes 4.2 or 5.1 and Mota goes the rest of the way regardless if Barry is throwing a perfect game or No No.

On the lineup card Boch15 pencils in Mozita or ZiMo. That’s why Mota’s contract is secured compared to 2009 and 2010 when he was a ST invite.

Buck Showalter walked Bonds intentionally with the bases loaded, Larussa batted his pitchers in the 8 slot, I see no reason why the always licking his lips when he talks Bochy – can’t go with a hybrid-multi-use fifth starter…

ClutchUp

primetimedonna says: January 17th, 2012 at 3:02 pm CU & KIR Thanks for the background with Barbieri. Knew the memory was faulty! What was the story with Dito, or did I make him up…..also, a possibility! Don’t remember Spivak and forgot about Newhouse!

—Ken Dito is still very prominent especially with his grandkids. Hosted a 9am to 10am KTRB a.m. radio show on 860 on the dial about a year ago before KTRB went into receivership. Dito had regulars on every day. Shooty Babbit, Mike Schulman, Dan Bellomini, Bip Roberts and it was a refreshing hour of sports talk minus all the 2 host babble that permeates the air waves currently.

But, his talent for grooming the pups & for calling an awesomely clever game are still there.

Bengie as coach/mentor/special assistant, esp. at ST and postseason. During the regular season too.

He can help Buster groom the pups, build their confidence, and push them just enough to develop their new pitches/strategies. This will enable Buster to tend to the demands of his ankle rehab, and for him to focus on regaining his swing, facing ML pitching, and basically ease back into the grind of the majors.

It will pay off in the postseason. Pitching pups all groomed, Buster in 1 piece, and Stew/Hector learning from the best.

Bottom line is, I am concerned about a repeat of “just getting by” at catcher.

We’re a pitching team; can’t afford “almost” at C.

I’d feel better if we had a veteran catcher w/ postseason experience, if not behind the dish, at least right there with the team, from ST and beyond, to mentor Stew & Hector on-the-fly, just in case Buster goes down to injury again, or on days when Buster needs rest.

————————
@Lefty, Likin’ yur 3-catcher scenario, but still want Pill as RHB. I wouldn’t cut/trade Pill, unless it’s for another proven RHB who can play good D. I’d cut Huff instead of Pill.

————————
@Anti, gotcha. Was bummed too, when Jose-Mo went to Rays. Hoped he’d be a SFG.

————————
@KIR. ITA–no to Pablo behind the dish. We need him desperately at 3B.

you’re in point of fact a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a wonderful job on this matter!

of course like your web-site however you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come back again.

When I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!

Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I were a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided shiny clear idea

It is perfect time to make some plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I may I want to recommend you some attention-grabbing issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles regarding this article. I wish to learn more issues approximately it!

Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

Party Bus and Limos provied us while using best particular date in San Diego that we have obtained in a while. We referred to as them at 619-501-8960 and in addition they picked us up right away. Their office is located at 1281 9th Ave #905, San Diego, Ca 92101. I highly highly recommend.

The payroll companies deal with the monetary method and spend added volume on checks printing, drafting and posting in the banking institutions. They also get care of all the on-line transactions. With the assist of professional companies, one do not have to give a month to month income due to the fact they supply a number of this kind of providers in a packaged value. This cost happens out to be a lot less than the salary provided to an knowledgeable accountant. These professional support suppliers make use of their IT engineering that help in preventing any significant mistakes. They help in managing one’s all financial resources in an incredibly productive way that more support in arranging expenditure, as nicely as, comprehension the movement of finance. If these items managed by a person inside the enterprise, there can be choices of difficulties concerning taking undue benefit of cash of personnel. Additionally, a organization can save a significant time to be used in important locations of the enterprise fairly than performing all these companies by on their own.

Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

Very good blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Appreciate it!

Mobile Website. MobileListing4Realty provides your real estate business with a mobile website for your property listings. Visitors to your website from a mobile device will automatically be redirected to your new mobile website for the optimum browsing experience.

I think this is among the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

Write more, thats all I’ve to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

Some of the best webmaster’s on this planet gather Atlanta web design, and not only that they are able to quickly boost your response level to whatever market place you occur to be in simply for the reason that cell web sites are now all the hype and for a great purpose as well.

Matava32352

I have a question I am looking for on the top chiro because I need the best I wanted reviews or data on Bellevue Wellness 10655 NE 4TH St. Suite 101, Bellevue, WA 98004 • (425) 455-2225

Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch as I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “One who’s our friend is fond of us one who’s fond of us isn’t necessarily our friend.” by Geoffrey F. Albert.

Just desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

I have been browsing online greater than 3 hours lately, but I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours. It¡¦s pretty worth sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the net will probably be a lot more useful than ever before.